Forum against handing over of electricity services
Mawkyrwat: A meeting concerning headmen, pressure groups, NGOs and citizens was convened by the Mawkyrwat Electricity Consumers Forum (MECF) on Thursday at the Community Hall in Mawkyrwat which decided against the handing over of electricity services to the Feedback Energy Distribution Company Limited (FEDCO) amid clarification by the officials of the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL).
The meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer of MePDCL, E Kharmujai and other officials of the corporation in the presence of leaders of different pressure groups, NGOs and headmen from different villages in South West Khasi Hills.
During the meeting, the headmen and NGO leaders stated that they were not happy with the officials of the MePDCL after they were unable to clarify on the handing over of services to the company.
After three hours of discussion, the gathering decided against the handing over of services to the company. “We have decided against handing over of services to FEDCO and at 12pm on May 3, we will hold a public meeting at Mawkyrwat Market in which further action will be taken on this issue,” MECF Chairman, Wallambok K Syiemiong said.
Anti-drug rally held
Mawkyrwat: Hundreds of people and students from different villages in South West Khasi Hills participated in a rally-cum-public meeting against drugs in Mawkyrwat on Thursday. The rally, organised by the Khasi Student’s Union (KSU), Mawkyrwat Circle, started from the BDO office junction in Mawlangwir village and ended at the Mawkyrwat Market. Students were also seen with placards discouraging drug use. Speaking on the occasion, KSU president, Lambokstarwell Marngar lauded the efforts of the KSU Mawkyrwat Circle in tackling the issue. Marngar also called upon all stakeholders in Mawkyrwat including village councils, women’s organisation, youth organisations, NGOs, teachers and students to work together in the fight against drugs. He also expressed regret over the inability of the home department in dealing with the issue which has become prevalent in the state. Meanwhile, South West Khasi Hills unit president, Forwardman Nongrem said that the union will not give in to intimidation and will continue its war against drugs.
EJH discusses need to tackle crime
JOWAI: The office of the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills held a meeting with the leaders of the Synjuk ki Wah-heh Chnong (headmen) and the Khasi Students’ Union, East Jaintia Hills District Unit to discuss various issues related to crime, drug abuse and drug trafficking. The meeting discussed on the ways to tackle various kinds of crime and whether there is a need to set up a new police unit to combat drug related issues. Speaking to this correspondent, East Jaintia Hills SP, V Rathore Singh said, “It is a general meeting with no specific agenda but we had come out with a decision to set up the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to monitor all kinds of Drugs related problems and also the District Cyber Cell to monitor and take stern actions against those who are misusing social media”.
Fire Service Day programme held
SHILLONG: Along with the rest of the country, Meghalaya Fire & Emergency Service observed Fire Service Day recently by hosting a week long programme on the occasion. Fire Service Day is observed on April 14 every year. The day is observed in commemoration of Fire service personnel, who lost their lives in the line of duty during a major fire incident at Bombay Dock on April 14, 1944. The ceremonial programme, held at the Fire & Emergency Service Headquarter, Shillong, was attended by the Director General of Police, Meghalaya. The SRT has been operating in various search and rescue operations and has been successful in many such operations. It may be mentioned that the programme was the first of its kind taken up by the Fire & Emergency Service and conducted in public places with an aim of bringing about awareness to the people. The programme also highlighted the various capabilities and duties of the Meghalaya Fire & Emergency Service.