SSA teachers threaten cease work over pending demands
TURA: SSA School teachers from Garo Hills have threatened to close down all schools under the category within the next three days if the government continues to remain adamant to their long pending demands. Earlier, the teachers under the banner of the All Garo Hills SSA School Teachers’ Association (AGHSSASTA) had given the government time till November 21 to fulfill their many demands which included the release of their pending salaries and arrears. “SSA schools in Garo Hills will remain close temporarily until the government releases our pending dues. In the meantime, instead of attending work we will look for other sources of income to sustain our families,” Tronament D Sangma the Publicity secretary of the association said in a statement. Sangma said that they were left with no other option but to resort to democratic agitation once again as the government had repeatedly ignored their genuine demands. “We are not able to pay our children’s school fees and school bus fares most of whom, are in private schools. Their final exams are approaching and we are compelled to take loan at high interest rates which we also have to repay before the first week of December. What other option is left for us besides agitation?” hequestioned.
Ex-GSU leader wants action against erring road contractor
TURA: A former leader of the Garo Students Union has alleged large-scale corruption in implementation of road projects in South Garo Hills. Nathan Marak, who is the president of A’kim Saldora Society at present, has said the NH-62 repair project worth over Rs 5 crore was allotted in 2013-14 to a contractor, Ohme Marak, from the same district but till date a major part of the road remains broken and potholed. But documents show that work has been completed and over Rs 1 crore has been released. Though district officials had sent Ohme several reminders they failed to take strict action against the erring contractor, Nathan alleged. “Despite knowing about the bad condition of roads in the district why was he (Ohme) allowed to continue? Action should be taken against him and he should be blacklisted by the department concerned,” Nathan said.
Governor, Congress condole Dasmunsi’s death
SHILLONG: MPCC president, DD Lapang and Governor Ganga Prasad has condoled the death of former union minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi who passed away in Delhi on Tuesday. MPCC members recall the Congress leader as a dynamic leader of his times and observed a two minute silence during the meeting. Recalling his association with the late leader, Lapang said the ‘country and the party has suffered a great loss’ with his demise. The meeting also expressed condolence to his wife and his son and other members of the bereaved family.
Common platfom for candidates to dicuss Jirang devp
NONGPOH: The Ri Bhoi Youth Federation, western zone, has decided to form a common platform for all candidates contesting from jirang in next year’s Assembly elections, said a press statement on Tuesday. The decision was taken in view of the fact that the present MLA, Lamboklang Mylliem, could not ensure development and a common platform might help in addressing the concerns of the most backward constituency in the district. The meet will be held at Patharkhmah. The date and venue of the meet will be decided soon where all candidates will be invited for interaction with the public.
Universal Children’s Day observed
Shillong: Together with the rest of the world, the Universal Children’s Day was also observed at C.H.C Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District on November 20. The programme was organised by the Health Department, Khliehriat in collaboration with the Basin Development Unit, Khliehriat. R.S. Manner, ADC, Khliehriat who attended the programme as the chief guest informed the gathering that the Health Department will be implementing the RBSK Scheme in the state through the National Health Mission. She also urged people to refer children suffering health problems to the nearest Sub-Centre, PHC, CHC or DEIC centre to avail treatment which is free of cost.
One injured as truck turns turtle in East Jaintia Hills
SHILLONG: A 20 year old handyman was injured when a truck turned turtle in Lumshnong, East Jaintia Hills on Monday. The incident occurred on Monday night, when the good carrier truck skidded and overturned. The vehicle was coming from Assam and was heading towards Mizoram. Subrata Hajong from Assam was severely injured whereas the driver escaped unharmed. The 108 service shifted the injured to Lumshnong PHC where he was further referred to Shillong Civil Hospital.
Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly thanks CM
SHILLONG: The Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly (has extended their gratitude to the state for declaring June 22nd as a state holiday in honor of Rev Thomas Jones, widely accepted as the Father of the Khasi Alphabet. The Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly in its core committee meeting on Monday also expresses joy that the petition submitted to the government has resulted in this historical step and thanked Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for acknowledging the achievement of Rev Thomas Jones.
Fish farmers urged to increase production
MAWKYRWAT: The office of the superintendent of fisheries, South West Khasi Hills district organised a fish sale at Mawkyrwat market on Tuesday in a bid to promote fish farming and encourage farmers to market their products. Speaking as chief guest, South West Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Isawanda Laloo urged the farmers to increase production because till date Meghalaya was dependent on Andhra Pradesh and other states to meet the demand for fish. About 120 kgs of fish brought to the market by fish farmers were sold out within two hours. Fish farmers from Rangthong, Photjaud and Mawkynrew villages took part in the programme.
GH Nokmas appeal for release of abducted members
TURA: A large group of Nokmas under the aegis of the Daranggre Nokmas’ Welfare association have issued an appeal to the kidnappers of two of their members, one belonging to West Khasi Hills and the other from South Garo Hills, to release them unharmed at the earliest. The banned Garo militant outfit GNLA is believed to be behind both abductions that took place in twin successions in the beginning of November and despite police operations their whereabouts remain untraced. “We are appealing to the abductors of the two Nokmas to kindly release them safely and unharmed so that they can reunite with their family members. They have so far not been able to communicate with their families and we are worried because both victims have health complications,” stated the association which comprises of as many as fifteen chieftains from South Garo Hills region.
Assam Rifles expedition concludes
SHILLONG: The Assam Rifles’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Tri Nation Unity and Heritage Motorcycle Expedition, which was flagged off by Governor Ganga Prasad on October 30 from Shillong culminated in Silchar on Tuesday. The expedition aimed at paying tribute to the rich legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the Iron Man of India, towards the unification of India post-Independence. The team observed the closing ceremony of the Namami Barak Festival which was attended by President Ram Nath Kovind in Silchar.