GSU airs concern over ‘poor’ road construction in Siju, seeks remedy
TURA, May 3: The Garo Students’ Union (GSU), Siju Regional Unit, has raised serious concerns over the “poor and substandard” quality of road construction between Damikgittim and Rangpinram in Siju. GSU Siju Unit general secretary Wellbing Sangma has submitted a written complaint to the Executive Engineer of the PWD (Roads), Baghmara Division, South Garo Hills, highlighting several lapses in the ongoing construction work. The complaint was accompanied by photographic evidence. According to the GSU, the deficiencies include the absence of proper road preparation or gravelling, with tar being directly applied over mud and dust, uneven and loosely packed sub-base layers, and a general lack of supervision and technical oversight. These issues, according to the GSU, have raised concerns about quality control and the accountability of the contractor involved. Emphasising that the road is essential for students, farmers and daily commuters, the GSU warned that such negligence could pose serious risks, particularly during the rainy season. It has demanded that the PWD immediately halt the ongoing work, conduct a site inspection by a qualified technical expert, hold the responsible contractor accountable and blacklist them if found guilty of malpractice. The GSU also urged the department to ensure all road construction is carried out under strict supervision in accordance with PWD norms.
Quiz competition promotes cross-cultural knowledge
SHILLONG, May 3: In a bid to promote cross-cultural knowledge and intellectual exchange among young minds, the Indo-Bhutan Quiz Competition was successfully held on Saturday at the Red Horns Auditorium in Umroi, drawing enthusiastic participation from several reputed educational institutions. The event, conducted by renowned quiz master Col Vembu Shankar, kept the audience engaged with a dynamic presentation and a wide range of thought-provoking questions that tested the depth and breadth of students’ knowledge. Six schools took part in the competition, namely APS Umroi, APS Happy Valley, KV Barapani, PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Umroi Cantt, MeECL Umiam and APS Shillong. After several gripping rounds, APS Shillong clinched the first position, followed by PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Umroi Cantt in second place and KV NEPA in third. Meanwhile, the team from PM SHRI KV Umroi Cantt—comprising Adarsh Singh, Prerna Pathak, and Swastika—earned praise for their impressive performance and teamwork.
3 drug peddlers in Ri-Bhoi police net
SHILLONG, May 3: Ri-Bhoi police have arrested three drug peddlers and seized over 10 grams of suspected heroin during a late-night operation at Umsning. Acting on credible intelligence, police intercepted a Maruti Baleno (ML-05AB-9902) at Nongthymmai junction along NH-06 around 9:45 pm on Friday. The vehicle, traveling from Nongpoh towards Shillong, was found carrying Wellborn Khongjoh alias Bull of Kynjoin Umran, along with Fedrick Kharkrang and Pascal Kharkrang, both residents of Shangbangla in Ri-Bhoi district. On searching the vehicle and the suspects, authorities recovered approximately 10.9 grams of suspected heroin. Police said the trio were en route to deliver the drugs to an unidentified dealer or consumer in Shillong. All three have been arrested and a case has been registered.