Editor,
The Meghalaya State Cooperative Marketing and Consumers’ Federation Limited (MECOFED) was for many years now one of the most reliable LPG agencies in Shillong. Once you have made your LPG booking, you just waited and did not have to worry – once a month, they would come and make the deliveries of the cylinders right to your doorstep. Their delivery boys were courteous and helpful.
Of late, however, this agency seems to have joined ranks with some of the other notorious LPG supply agencies of Shillong. This agency has failed to supply fresh cylinders to many parts of Nongrah, particularly the Nongmarboh area around the Windemere Estate area, now for more than two months, and in the Mawlynrei village. For one, you cannot get through the registered MECOFED landline as it seems to be “unreachable” all the time. The mobile number given is also always “busy,” with the result that you have no other contacts to enquire of deliveries or to register your complaints. You are then given the cell number of a manager/delivery boy, and when contacted, you were told that delivery would be made in about two days’ time, which of course, never happens. When contacted again, one was then asked to come to a certain point to collect the cylinder – now this is impossible as by that time, all young residents have left for work, and you cannot expect the very senior citizens to lug the cylinders on their own to that pick-up point. It is alleged that while they deliberately do not make the deliveries, they are selling the refill cylinders in the black.
They have also recently come up with another delaying tactic – when they made their last delivery two months back, we were told by the delivery boys not to book in advance but wait and book only when they come to the house for delivery! I found this peculiar. In fact, I know that an announcement was even made through the dorbar’s PA system in the adjourning village of Mawlynrei that one should not make a booking in advance. But I was told that when deliveries were attempted yesterday (15.6.26) to the consumers in Mawlynrei, the MECOFED delivery boys refused to supply the refills because the resident consumers had “not booked in advance!” I strongly believe that all these tactics are so that they can profit in the black market.
I, therefore, request the Managing Director of MECOFED to kindly look into this problem of the supply of LPG refills.
Incidentally, the state government (and the central government) have now and again assured its citizens that there is no shortage of LPG. If this is the case, then why do consumers now have to wait for over two months to get their refills? As someone said, we members of the public should not lie – that is the prerogative and right of only the government! And since it is constantly trumpeted that there is no shortage, may I request the new dynamic Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills to take this matter up with MECOFED and stop these illegal activities that inconvenience the public and us senior citizens.
Yours etc.,
Eugene D. Thomas
Shillong – 6
Football- Meghalaya’s Pride and Joy
Editor,
After reading the special article titled “From Hiatus to Heartbeat: The Beautiful Game is Reviving Shillong’s Soul” authored by Banwan Lyngdoh and published on June 16, 2026, I was delighted and filled with a deep sense of appreciation for Shillong’s rich footballing heritage. The vivid description of the Meghalaya Super League final, the packed stands at the SSA Stadium, and the excitement that brought parts of the city to a standstill reminded me that football continues to occupy a special place in the hearts of the people of Shillong and Meghalaya.
As someone from Tura, I could easily relate to the emotions described in the article. Those who witnessed football at the Chandmari Playground during the 1990s would recall the excitement local matches generated. Crowds gathered in large numbers, young footballers played with passion and pride, and the game brought people from different walks of life together. While Shillong has long been recognised as the football capital of the region, football’s appeal extended well beyond the city and found an equally enthusiastic following in places like Tura.
For many who were fortunate enough to grow up in Shillong, football was never merely a sport; it was a way of life. The game occupied a special place in the social and cultural fabric of the city. Local tournaments attracted passionate crowds, neighbourhood rivalries generated immense excitement, and football grounds served as gathering places where communities came together in a shared celebration of sporting excellence. It was this unique football culture that earned Shillong its reputation as one of India’s most vibrant football centres.
The article rightly highlights the renewed momentum that football is experiencing today. The growing crowds, investments in grassroots development, support for leagues and young players, and the dream of making Shillong the Football Capital of India are all encouraging signs. It is heartening to see the game once again generating the kind of excitement that many thought belonged to an earlier era.
Yet, as we celebrate this resurgence, it is equally important to remember those who kept the flame burning during less promising times. Any discussion on the growth of football in Meghalaya would be incomplete without mentioning the late Kitdor Syiem and P. D. Sawyan, who founded Shillong Lajong Football Club in 1983. Their vision went far beyond establishing another football club. They believed in the immense potential of local talent and sought to create opportunities for young footballers from Meghalaya to compete at the highest levels.
Over the years, Shillong Lajong became a source of pride not only for Shillong but for the entire Northeast. The club inspired countless youngsters to dream of becoming professional footballers and proved that players from this region could hold their own on the national stage. For many football lovers, Lajong represented hope, identity, and the belief that local talent, when nurtured properly, could achieve great things.
The scenes witnessed during the recent Meghalaya Super League final suggest that football’s bond with the people remains as strong as ever. The cheers from the galleries, the enthusiasm of young supporters, and the pride associated with local clubs all point to a tradition that has endured through the years.
The future of football in Meghalaya certainly looks bright. However, while looking ahead, it is worth remembering the pioneers, clubs, coaches, administrators, and supporters whose dedication laid the foundation upon which today’s revival stands. Their contributions deserve to be celebrated alongside the achievements of the present.
At the same time, I do hope that the current enthusiasm for football is not merely a passing fever generated by the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. The true measure of success will not be the size of crowds during a season of global football excitement, but whether this renewed interest can be sustained long after the World Cup has ended. Continued support for grassroots development, local leagues, coaching programmes, and community football will be essential if Meghalaya is to build a lasting football culture rather than experience only a temporary surge of enthusiasm.
The beautiful game has always been an integral part of Meghalaya’s story. If the present momentum can be sustained beyond the excitement of international tournaments, football, I feel, will continue to inspire, unite, and nurture talent across the State for generations to come.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Tura
