Editor,
As a citizen of Meghalaya, I would like to sincerely congratulate the present NPP-led Government for the developmental work it has undertaken in various sectors of the state. I would like to mention three important sectors among others. First of all, this government has undertaken on a war-footing the development of road networks all over the state. I must confess that I have not witnessed so much of political will with regards to road development at any time in the past. I must commend the government for the newly constructed roads in the Mawpdang region connecting to the Shillong by-pass highway. As a resident of Mawpdang, I have lived the harrowing experience of a bad road from Mawpdang to Ummir and Mawthum-thum. The road was stony and muddy and we had to cross the Ummir river driving through the waters since there was no bridge. The poor farmers of Ummir village had a lot of difficulty in transporting their agricultural produce in order to get them to the market. Today, thanks to the new high-class road and the beautiful bridge, the whole area has received a facelift.
Ummir is such a scenic beauty and with proper investment from the Tourism Department, it can become a tourist destination. Recently, the narrow and dilapidated road connecting Mawpdang to Diengpasoh and to the bypass, has been widened and today it has become a standard road. Apart from these, the Shillong-Sadew four-lane highway is progressing at a very fast rate. Soon the commuters will be spared the annoying experience of traffic jam. The Shillong-Dawki international corridor construction is also gaining momentum. Besides these, there are so many new road networks that are being developed by this government. Roads are the lifeline of a nation and good road connectivity means a sure path to progress and development.
Secondly, this Government has also given a mighty boost to tourism in the state. The increasing flow of tourists to the state, proves that there is a substantial revamping of the tourism sector. Through the support of the Tourism Ministry, many local tourism entrepreneurs have been able to enhance the infrastructure of their tourist spots and thereby attract more visitors. This means a lot for the growth of the state as it increases the state’s GDP, improves the economic status of the people and ensures more employment for the youth.
The unfortunate incident regarding the Indore couple has temporarily put the state in bad light. But thanks to the efficiency of our Police Department and other collaborators, the case has been solved in favour of the people of Meghalaya. Thirdly, I should commend the government for the keen interest it has taken in promoting sports and games as well as music of the state. There are lots of initiatives taken to encourage our talented youth in the areas of sports, games and music. The hosting of the National Games as well as other national games like the ISL etc, is a step in the right direction.
The launching of the state-owned OTT platform Hello Meghalaya in 2024, provides a huge prospect for the talented youth of our state. This has enabled such youth to showcase their unique God-given talents and offered them the possibility of becoming national and international celebrities. In conclusion, I once again congratulate the government led by our Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma and I look forward to more creative initiatives by the Government in order to put our state not merely in the national map but in the global map as well.
Yours etc.,
Barnes Mawrie sdb,
Via email
A criminal can run but cannot hide for long
Editor,
Apropos of the news “Its honeymoon bride Sonam behind groom Raja’s murder” (ST June 10, 2025), there’s a saying, “You can run, but you cannot hide.” No matter how much someone tries to escape or avoid consequences, they will eventually be caught or confronted. Criminals may flee, but authorities will eventually track them down. This is exactly what the Meghalaya Police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) did in connection with the homicide of a businessman who went missing on May 23rd in Sohra and was later found dead. A combination of forensic evidence, digital tracking and coordinated interstate operations led to a breakthrough on June 9, that also finally led to the arrest of the wife of a businessman and four others who are now on transit remand (temporary custody granted by a court to law enforcement authorities to transfer an accused person from one jurisdiction to another for further legal proceedings). It is not explicitly defined in the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) but is commonly used in practice).
Sonam Raghuvanshi was granted 72-hours transit remand to be transferred from Uttar Pradesh to Meghalaya for further investigation. Hats off to Meghalaya Police and the SIT for nabbing those who thought they could run but they forgot that they cannot not hide. Soon it will be known who the Supari killer was and who hired them.
The alleged murder of Raja Raghuvanshi during his honeymoon in Sohra has sparked discussions about Indian marital culture, particularly in the context of arranged marriages and personal agency. The case has triggered outrage, with Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Kangana Ranaut questioning why Sonam resorted to murder instead of seeking a divorce. The incident has raised concerns about coercion in marriages and the consequences of personal dissatisfaction. The case highlights issues within Indian marital culture, including societal pressures in arranged marriages, lack of personal autonomy, and extreme responses to marital dissatisfaction. It underscores the need for open conversations about agency, divorce, and ethical decision-making.
Yours etc;
V.K.Lyngdoh,
Via email
Meghalaya escapes infamy
Editor,
At last the murder mystery that had gripped Meghalaya and other parts of India as well has come to an end. Sonam Raghuvanshi, the bride, was found to be the conspirator of the tragic death of Raja Raghuvanshi whose body was found in a deep gorge in Sohra. Meghalaya Police had to spend considerable time and resources to track down Sonam until they found her in Uttar Pradesh. Police were also able to nab the other assailants that Sonam had hired to eliminate her husband Raja.
Meghalaya Police deserve congratulations for cracking the case that had shocked the state and the nation as well. Sohra also escaped the disgrace of being called “crime prone.” How can a place depending on tourism ever think of destroying its own reputation? It is a great relief for every one of us that we are not tagged as a tourist unfriendly state by people from other parts of the country.
Hats off to Meghalaya police!
Your etc.,
Deepak Chhetry
Tura