Police honour students, teachers for rescuing buried newborn
NONGPOH, May 5: The Superintendent of Police, Ri Bhoi District, on Tuesday felicitated a group of school students and their teachers for rescuing a newborn who had been buried alive in a village last month. On April 27, the students and teachers heard the cries of the infant coming from beneath the soil. They acted immediately to locate and retrieve the child, successfully saving the newborn’s life. According to officials, the infant has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but remains under medical care at Civil Hospital, Nongpoh. Police stated that the courage and prompt response of the group prevented a tragedy. The district police praised their bravery as an example for the community. Certificates of recognition were presented to the students and teachers during the programme.
26-year-old man reported missing from Shillong
SHILLONG, May 5: A 26-year-old man, Bankit Kyrpang Thabah, has been reported missing from his residence in Shillong since April 27. According to a police report, Thabah was last seen at around 9:00 AM. He is described as being 5 feet tall with a dark complexion, a long face, black hair, and a pointed nose. He is fluent in Khasi, English, and Hindi. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem has requested anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Police Control Room at 6009196479 or the Missing Desk (Crime Branch) at 8837282114.
HANM unit dissolves over differences with leadership
NONGPOH, May 5: The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) Western Ri-Bhoi unit has been dissolved with immediate effect following the mass resignation of its members. The decision, led by unit president Sumar Lyngdoh, stems from irreconcilable differences with the leadership style of the organisation’s central president, Lamphrang Kharbani. Alongside Lyngdoh—who also serves as the vice president of HANM Ri-Bhoi District—the resignation was supported by key office bearers including vice president Prishon Makri, general secretary Anthony Sankli, and eight other secretaries, as well as 23 general members. Speaking to the media, Sumar Lyngdoh clarified that the unit holds no grievance against the organisation itself. However, he stated that the members could no longer work under the central president’s current management. Lyngdoh declined to disclose specific details regarding the disagreement, noting that doing so would bring disrepute to the organisation. He further revealed that the unit had made several attempts to engage the central leadership in dialogue to improve coordination and community service. According to Lyngdoh, these efforts yielded no results, leading to the collective decision to sever all ties.
Cardless ATM facility comes up at Mawprem
SHILLONG, May 5: A century after the birth of ATM inventor John Shepherd-Barron in Shillong, the city has inaugurated one of the country’s first cardless ATM facilities at Lumkshaid, Mawprem. The facility was formally inaugurated on Saturday by West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh. Speaking at the event, Lyngdoh highlighted the unique nature of the technology and recalled that Shepherd-Barron, the man credited with inventing the automated teller machine, was born in Shillong in 1925—a historical fact that links the city to the origins of modern banking. State Bank of India (SBI) officials, led by Deputy General Manager Samir Kant Jha, attended the programme alongside local leaders and members of the Dorbar Shnong. Jha stated that the cardless ATM represents a significant step in banking innovation, noting that such facilities remain rare in India. The technology allows customers to withdraw cash through digital authentication, removing the need for a physical card. The installation serves as a modern extension of a global innovation with local roots. As digital systems continue to change daily transactions, the launch provides the city an opportunity to reflect on its historical connection to the banking industry. The event was organised by the Dorbar Shnong Lumkshaid and also marked the inauguration of a road divider and a new control room, initiatives aimed at improving civic management and community infrastructure.
Hek seeks central intervention on CAS for information scientists
SHILLONG, May 5: BJP MLA and former cabinet minister Alexander Laloo Hek has sought the intervention of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan regarding the long-pending implementation of the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) for Information Scientists in central universities. In a letter to Pradhan on Monday, Hek also requested an appointment for Dr Batskhem Sten of North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and his colleagues to brief the Union minister on the matter. Hek highlighted that Information Scientists play a vital role in strengthening the digital and academic frameworks of higher educational institutions by managing e-resources, research data, and ICT-based systems. He pointed out that while their duties are comparable to those of academic and library professionals, they remain excluded from structured career progression mechanisms like CAS. The MLA noted that despite various judicial pronouncements directing the Ministry of Education to make a time-bound decision, the issue remains unresolved. This delay, he said, has led to professional stagnation and lowered morale, affecting institutional efficiency. Stressing the importance of the matter for the academic and digital ecosystem of central universities, Hek urged the Ministry to expedite a decision.
NPP reforms Mawlai Block unit
SHILLONG, May 5: The National People’s Party (NPP) on Monday reconstituted its Mawlai Block committee as part of strategic preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election and the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections. The new office-bearers were formally inducted by the party’s working president, Hamlet Dohling, in the presence of senior leaders Don War, HM Shangpliang, and Grace Kharpuri. Under the new setup, N Shemborlyne Khongsngi has been appointed president of the Mawlai Block committee, while Kynpham Mylliem Umlong and Elezer Chyne will serve as vice-presidents. Joflin Marbaniang has been named general secretary. Other appointments include William Lamare (assistant general secretary), Lamphrang Rumnong (joint secretary), and several secretaries overseeing organisation, publicity, and social sectors. Emlang Lytan and Embhahlang Syiemlieh have been appointed advisers to the committee. Additionally, 15 senior members were elected to the executive committee.
