NPP announces candidate for council polls in Ri Bhoi
NONGPOH: Former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and five-time MDC from Nongpoh Rangkynsai Makdoh was on Thursday declared as the National People’s Party (NPP) candidate for the upcoming KHADC polls from Nongpoh constituency to be held on February 27. The decision of CB Syiem, who is also a former CEM of the KHADC to opt out of the polls due to personal issues, has paved way for Makdoh to enter the fray. The main reason which Syiem to opt out of the polls was due to a recent incident in which a fire broke out at the CTS Memorial Haat which happens to be owned by him and gutted more than 98 shops resulting in an estimated loss of more than one crore rupees. Rangkynsai Makdoh was declared as the NPP candidate from Nongpoh constituency during a meeting held in Nongpoh on Thursday which was attended by former chief minister DD Lapang, chief adviser to the Government of Meghalaya CB Syiem and party leaders.
Probe begins into threat to RTI activist in East Garo Hills
TURA: Police in East Garo Hills have begun investigations into the alleged threat issued recently by an official of the Williamnagar Municipal Board against RTI activist Nilbath Ch Marak but said that the details of the case will be available only after a couple of days. Confirming the receipt of an FIR against the WMB official district Superintendent of Police (SP), RTG Momin said that as the OC was in charge of the investigations concerned with the FIR, the details of the investigation can only be known once a report is submitted. Earlier on Tuesday, an FIR was filed at Williamnagar police station by the RTI activist where he had accused WMB accountant cum PIO Waldarine Momin of threatening him when he went to file an RTI on development activities of the Municipal Board. According to the FIR, the WMB official had even gone to the extent of asking him if had not read news of activists being beaten up and stated that she was capable of anything when angered. Following the alleged death threat, the activists through the FIR had also sought police protection under the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, 2014. Claiming that the official also has a number of assets that do not correspond with her current income, the complainant also sought for an investigation to get to the bottom of the matter.
Awareness on POCSO on National Girl Child Day
NONGPOH: A programme on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, centering on the theme ‘Girls for a Better Tomorrow’, was held at the NSCA mini stadium at Pahamsyiem here on Thursday. Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Meena Kharkongor was present as the chief guest and students, teachers and residents of Pahamsyiem were among the audience. Kharkongor spoke about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act which was established with an aim to protect children against sexual abuse and harassment. She informed that a special court has already been established to deal with POCSO cases and sought the cooperation of the public in preventing sexual abuse against girls. Other highlights of the day included a signature campaign, an awareness programme on electoral literacy club and EVMs, including a rally that was flagged off by Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah prior to the programme.
Body formed to preserve cultural heritage of Garos
TURA: With a view to preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage of the Garos, the Kalkame Arts and Cultural Society was formed recently at Rongkhon near Tura under the motto ‘Bimiksea-Miktoksu’a’ (Art and Craft). Office bearers of the new body have also been elected with Sembertush A Sangma as General Secretary, Gilchrist Silkam T Sangma as Joint Secretary, Venybirth Ch Marak as President and Rufus Pangrak G Momin as Vice President. The advisory board of the society includes retired MCS Officer Crisline T Sangma and Garo scholar and Sahitya Akademi award winner Llewellyn R Marak. The society also initiated the construction of Garo traditional Nokpante recently with wood carving and sculpturing at Gondenggre Village.
Winter Festival begins on colourful note in Garo Hills
TURA: The Tura Winter Festival which began with the celebration of Meghalaya Day was formally inaugurated at the Dikki Bandi Stadium in Dakopgre on Thursday. The festival organised by the West Garo Hills, District Administration, Tura aims to create a platform to the youth of the region to showcase their talent. While addressing the gathering on the occasion, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh said that he is looking forward to active participation by the people especially the youth of the region and said that the festival would provide an opportunity for the people to come together and socialize. Other highlights of the festival include the Miss Garo Hills beauty pageant, a fashion show and live music concerts featuring artistes such as Underground Authority from Kolkatta, Gravity from Guwahati, Richrocker, Suicide Notes and Eye2Eye. Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Dadenggre Sub-Division RK Chitturi, Wesr Garo Hills Superintendent of Police MGR Kumar and West Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner MT Sangma were also present during the inaugural programme.
Students to meet PM on Jan 29
SHILLONG: A group of 15 students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Happy Valley were selected for the Pariksha pe charcha 2.0 online competition which was held recently. Jagannath Roy of class X and Md Nadim of class XI Science have been invited to meet and interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 29 in New Delhi. The parents of Md Nadim and Md Shamin have also been selected to participate in the interaction with the Prime Minister.
Stray cattle prohibited
TURA: West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh, through the Municipality Act, has prohibited stray cattle within an 8 km radius of Tura under municipality jurisdiction and including Selsella, Rongram, Jengjal, Baljek and Dalu from January 23 to June. Owners and cattle rearers have been cautioned by the district administration to abide by the order.