Geyser explodes, damages house
SHILLONG, June 7: A geyser explosion caused extensive damage to a house at Jaiawpdeng Main Road, Block-3, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at the residence of Donbok Jana Nongbet. Police said the geyser was switched on at 11 am and exploded at approximately 2:35 pm. The force of the blast collapsed two bathroom walls and left cracks throughout the rest of the structure. No injuries were reported as the bathroom was unoccupied at the time. Property damage is estimated at Rs 3 lakh. Police suspect a technical malfunction caused the explosion.
Motorist hurt after collision in city
SHILLONG, June 7: A motorcyclist was injured on Sunday evening after his vehicle collided with a dumper truck near the old Thangkhiew petrol pump. Police said the dumper truck (AS23CC6784) was turning into the petrol pump while heading toward 5th Mile when a speeding motorcycle (ML05AE3313), travelling in the same direction, lost control and rammed into the truck’s left side. The injured rider was taken to Civil Hospital by a 108 emergency service ambulance for treatment. Following the collision, the truck driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
HC clears petitioner for VEC polls
SHILLONG, June 7: The High Court of Meghalaya has quashed an order debarring Ambiya Begum from contesting the upcoming Sobribari Village Employment Council (VEC) election in West Garo Hills. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh passed the order while hearing an appeal filed by Begum against a June 4 judgment by a Single Judge, which had initially dismissed her challenge to the debarment. During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General ND Chullai presented a letter dated June 5 from the Block Development Officer (BDO) and Programme Officer of the Selsella C&RD Block. The letter stated that the office no longer had any objection to Begum contesting the election. Taking the submission on record, the Bench set aside the BDO’s previous order dated May 25, which had disqualified her. “In view of the aforesaid, nothing survives for further consideration in the appeal. The appeal stands disposed of,” the court observed.
OSC staff undergo training on survivor-centric care in GH
SHILLONG, June 7: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW), with support from the National Commission for Women, conducted a capacity-building training programme for One Stop Centre (OSC) personnel recently at the Working Women’s Hostel. The session was attended by case workers, counsellors, and staff from OSCs across all districts in the Garo Hills. The training focused on a survivor-centric approach to providing services for women in distress. Technical sessions were led by several experts. Remy Nelson Kharbteng, State Mission Coordinator for Mission Shakti, discussed survivor-centric service delivery, while Dr. Mitul M. Sangma, a forensic medicine specialist, briefed the staff on medical procedures. Dr. Narbecca G. Momin, a clinical psychologist, spoke on mental health and self-care for OSC personnel, and Grangchira Ch. Marak, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, outlined the legal framework and laws relating to women. MSCW vice chairperson Hemaritha Ch. Sangma noted the essential role of OSCs in offering integrated support to victims of violence. She stressed that continuous training is necessary to enhance service delivery and address practical challenges in the field. The programme included interactive discussions where participants shared best practices and strengthened their understanding of effective case management.
