Elaka in EJH announces ban on all NGOs, voluntary bodies
KHLIEHRIAT, March 11: The Joint Committee of Elaka Nongkhlieh in East Jaintia Hills has announced a ban on all NGOs and voluntary organisations operating within its jurisdiction, effective March 14. Following a meeting on Monday, the committee directed all organisations currently maintaining offices or workplaces within the Elaka to relocate or close their premises. Under the new directive, no NGO or voluntary group will be allowed to enter or operate within Elaka Nongkhlieh without prior written permission from the authorities. Any organisation wishing to work in the area must submit a formal request at least one month in advance, clearly stating their objectives and the purpose of their visit. The Elaka authorities will then decide whether to grant permission. The Joint Committee has urged all organisations to respect and abide by this decision.
15 suspected illegal immigrants detained near Upper Shillong
SHILLONG, March 11: At least 15 individuals suspected to be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh were detained by members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Upper Shillong unit, near 4th Mile and 7th Mile on Wednesday. According to the union, information regarding the movement of the individuals was received from Mawsynram, prompting KSU members to intercept them in the Upper Shillong area. During preliminary questioning by the KSU members, the detained individuals reportedly stated that they had come from across the border through the Mawsynram side and were heading to work for a company. However, they were unable to provide clear details about the name of the company or the nature of the work they were supposed to undertake. Assistant general secretary of the KSU, Hope L Mawnai, said the statements provided by the individuals were unclear and raised further suspicion. Mawnai added that when the matter was further probed, the individuals produced Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), claiming that they were residents of Rajabala constituency in West Garo Hills district. Following the interception, the KSU members handed the individuals over to the police at the Jhalupara Outpost for verification and further investigation to ascertain whether they are genuinely residents of Rajabala constituency.
KSU apprehends fraudster promising MBBS seats at USTM
SHILLONG, March 11: Members of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday apprehended a man identified as Glorious Swet for allegedly cheating several youths of lakhs of rupees by promising them MBBS seats at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM). The KSU Jaiaw Lansonalane Unit detained Swet at Robert Hospital after receiving complaints from victims. The union had set a trap by asking the victims to arrange a meeting with the accused at the hospital, where he was caught. During questioning, Swet reportedly admitted to using WhatsApp to contact students and presenting a forged document from the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretariat to validate his claims. He confessed to operating the scam since last year and stated that he had no connection to the university. He also admitted that the money collected was spent on gambling and personal expenses. KSU unit leader Babitlang Khyriem warned students to be cautious of individuals promising admissions or jobs in exchange for money. Swet was later handed over to the Lumdiengjri Police Station for further legal action.
Three firms qualify for smart driving licence project
SHILLONG, March 11: The Transport department has announced that three firms have technically qualified for a project to establish personalisation centres for the issuance of SCOSTA-based driving licences and vehicle registration cards. According to a notification from the Commissioner of Transport, the qualified bidders are Manipal Payment and Identity Solutions Ltd, M-Tech Innovations Pvt Ltd, and Rosmerta Technologies Ltd. The selection follows the evaluation of bids submitted in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued on October 10, 2025. The project involves the supply, installation, and commissioning of centres to issue smart card-based documents across the state. The department stated that the date for opening financial bids will be communicated in due course.
