Teen dies in jhum field fire
TURA: A fifteen year old boy was killed when a forest set on fire to clear for jhum cultivation went out of control at Bamsam Awe village, near Williamnagar in East Garo Hills on Wednesday. According to reports, the 15 year old boy Chibasal Ch Marak was reportedly engaged in clearing an area for vegetable cultivation in the village of Bamsam Awe when the mishap occurred. The age old traditional method of Jhumming in which a forest area is cut and burnt to make way for cultivation of rice and vegetables before the onset of the monsoon season continues to prevail in many areas of Garo Hills. The jhum fire is said to have gained momentum due to the presence of dry winds and the teenager was reportedly caught up in the middle of the blaze that had engulfed the entire field leading to severe smoke inhalation and burns. The deceased was a class X student of Rongsak higher secondary school.
Meeting convened to discuss polls
NONGSTOIN: West Khasi Hills District Election Officer (DEO), T Lyngwa convened a meeting with the representatives of various political parties in his office chamber on Wednesday to brief them on the rules and guidelines to be followed as per the Model Code of Conduct being enforced with the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls. Lyngwa dwelt at length the do’s and don’ts like carrying of cash above Rs 50,000, holding a public meeting at Government run houses or places like SSA schools, IB, circuit houses and guest houses. He also informed that the use of loudspeakers will be permitted only from 6 am to 10 pm and that permission for holding public meeting by star campaigners is to be obtained from the DC’s office or SDO.
Prevention of defacement
NONGPOH: The additional district magistrate of Ri Bhoi has informed that prohibition has been imposed on carrying licensed weapons, pasting of election posters, writing slogans and painting of election symbols without the permission of the owner under Section 144 of the CrPC. The order also states that the use of loud speakers for campaigning is allowed from 6 am to 10 pm and that registration numbers of vehicles with speakers are to be intimated to the police and the returning officer.
Model code enforced in WJH
JOWAI: The District Magistrate of West Jaintia Hills has issued an order under Section 144 CrPC, prohibiting writing on walls, pasting posters or papers, defacement in any form or erecting of cutouts, hoardings or banners on public property or premises. However, a written consent from the house owner and an approval from the office of the district magistrate is required for putting up of banners or pasting of posters in a private property. No election meetings, rallies or procession are to be allowed without consent from the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Election), WJH and from the local headman.
Women’s Day celebrated in WJH
JOWAI: The District Legal Service Authority and District Social Welfare Department, West Jaintia Hills, observed International Women’s Day on March 8 at Mooshrot village. The chief guest of the programme, Chanky Lyngdoh, Secretary District Legal Service Authority, DS Marbaniang and District Social Welfare Officer, J. Synnah, addressed the gathering. The programme was organised on the theme ‘Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change’.
Woman goes missing in city
SHILLONG: A 49-year-old woman, identified as Rika Rosetta Pakyntein has been reported missing since March 9. Pakyntein is a resident of Upland Road, Laitumkhrah. Pakyntein has a fair complexion, round face and approximately 5 feet tall. She was last seen wearing a red and black striped shawl and leather slippers. Individuals with information on her whereabouts may contact 2222277, 223069 and 9774070078.
Rice fest held in Ri Bhoi
SHILLONG: The first ever ‘Mei-Ramew Rice Festival’ was organised by NESFAS on Friday at Liarsluid, Ri Bhoi where nine communities from Umling and Bhoirymbong C&RD block worked together to commemorate and promote the importance of this staple food. Fifty-eight varieties of rice seeds were on display at the festival. Cultural programmes at the inaugural ceremony were also dedicated to stories on a local rice variety known as ‘U Khaw Jwaiñ’ which is commonly consumed by the Khweng and Liarsluid communities. Two representatives, each from 11 communities of East Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills, participated in the festival. The representatives also exchanged various rice seeds to diversify rice cultivation in their home communities.