CM urged to prioritise affordable sports for National Games
SHILLONG, July 22: The Dorbar Shnong Pynthorumkhrah Golf Links has called on Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to prioritise investment in affordable, mass-participation sports such as football, cricket, and athletics as the state prepares for the National Games. In a representation submitted Wednesday, Rangbah Shnong Michael Hek acknowledged the government’s efforts to establish Meghalaya as a sporting hub but raised concerns over the prioritisation of golf. He argued that while prestigious, golf remains inaccessible to most citizens due to the high cost of equipment, coaching, and membership fees. “In every village and school across Meghalaya, young boys and girls play football and cricket with immense passion, often using makeshift equipment,” Hek stated. He emphasised that these sports require minimal resources, allowing children from all economic backgrounds to aspire to represent the state and nation. Hek warned that heavy public investment in niche sports could overlook the potential of thousands of talented youth. He urged the government to direct more resources toward sports that benefit the majority, helping to identify and nurture talent in both rural and urban areas.
Hima Langrin locals sets 15-day deadline for Syiem’s removal
SHILLONG, July 22: Residents of Hima Langrin on Wednesday issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to remove Syiem Nongtei Singh Syiemiong, threatening an indefinite hunger strike if the demand is not met. The move follows a meeting between community leaders and KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winston Tony Lyngdoh and Executive Member in-charge of Elaka Administration Denzil Raynard Chen, which ended without a resolution. The CEM reportedly informed the delegation that the Council requires more time to examine the extensive case file. “We have given the KHADC 15 days. If no decision is taken within that period, we will return to the Council and stage an indefinite hunger strike until our demand is met,” the leaders told reporters. Earlier in the day, hundreds of residents marched to the KHADC headquarters to protest the Council’s decision to reinstate the traditional chief following a prior suspension. The protesters are demanding that the people of the Hima be allowed to elect their Syiem through a referendum. They alleged that the Syiem has violated traditional governance, misused his powers, and treated Hima land as private property by allocating portions to his family members. The protesters further accused him of denying eligible residents over the age of 18 membership in the Hima Dorbar, which they claimed contradicts customary practices. Security personnel were deployed at the KHADC premises as the protesters gathered outside the office with placards and slogans seeking the Syiem’s removal.
NPP candidate promises focus on ILP, Khasi language at rally
JOWAI, July 22: Thousands of National People’s Party (NPP) supporters gathered at Khawang Ground, Ummulong, on Tuesday for a campaign rally in support of Dr DRL Nonglait, the party’s candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. Addressing the gathering organised by the NPP 1-Nartiang Block, Dr Nonglait outlined a vision centered on transparency, agricultural development, and securing central funding for Meghalaya. He committed to pursuing the long-standing demand for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state. Highlighting the developmental work of the current state government, Dr Nonglait expressed confidence in a decisive victory. “If elected, I will prioritise the agriculture sector and ensure that state projects receive adequate support from the Central Government in New Delhi,” he said. The rally was also addressed by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, and MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh. The leaders urged voters to support Dr Nonglait, describing him as a candidate dedicated to representing the state’s interests at the national level.
Initiative in Meghalaya to train nurses as life-saving educators
SHILLONG, July 22: Meghalaya marked the launch of a national initiative to empower nurses as community life-saving educators with the completion of the NICE BHARAT Mission training programme. Organised by the Indian Society of Emergency and Cardiac Nurses (ISECN) and hosted by NICE Meghalaya, the “Basic Heart Action & Resuscitation Awareness Training” (BHARAT) focused on Basic Life Support (BLS) skills. The mission aims to transform nurses into instructors who can train the general public in emergency response. A total of 94 nurses participated in the intensive training, conducted by a faculty of experts from Chennai and New Delhi. From this cohort, 32 nurses were selected for the ISECN BLS Instructor Course. These individuals will serve as the first generation of nurse instructors tasked with teaching CPR and emergency resuscitation in schools, workplaces, and villages across the region. Prof Nochovono Tase, Principal of the College of Nursing at NEIGRIHMS, attended as chief guest. She commended the mission for placing nurses at the centre of community health transformation and emphasised the importance of emergency preparedness. The initiative was led by NICE Chairman Mathew Varghese V and National Secretary Denny Mariam Oommen, supported by regional leadership including Rikadeisuk Suting and Dolly Oslene Jyrwa. The programme concluded with the NICE BHARAT Mission Pledge, where participants committed to spreading BLS knowledge. The mission’s goal is to ensure that the ability to save a life is not restricted to healthcare professionals but becomes a skill shared by all citizens.
Police seek public help to trace two missing persons
SHILLONG, July 22: The police have issued public notices seeking assistance in locating two individuals reported missing in separate incidents in East Khasi Hills. Dipasha Deb Nath, 21, has been missing from Shillong since July 19. She is described as 5.4 feet tall with a dark brown complexion, a round face, and long grey hair. Information regarding her whereabouts can be reported to the Police Control Room (6009196479), Sadar PS (8974737776), or the Crime Branch Missing Desk (8837282114). In another case, 44-year-old Mordar Kurkalang has been missing since July 15. He has a dark complexion, dimpled cheeks, and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a red vest, a blue and black shawl, black pants, and blue boots. Any information about the missing can be shared with the Police Control Room (6009196479), Mawngap PS (7630954809), or the Crime Branch Missing Desk (8837282114).
