Behdienkhlam from July 6 to 9 in Jowai; Assam CM invited
JOWAI, July 2: The four-day Behdienkhlam festival will be held from July 6 to 9, the Sein Raij Jowai (SRJ) announced on Thursday. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been invited as the chief guest for the concluding day of the festivities. SRJ leaders, including President Hercules Toi, General Secretary Arwotki Sumer, and the Dolloi of Elaka Jowai, Puramon Kynjing, stated that preparations are progressing smoothly with the support of the district administration, police, and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). Toi informed that specific holidays have been declared to mark the occasion: July 7 by the JHADC, July 8 by the district administration, and a state holiday on July 9. Residents in and around Jowai have been urged to cooperate with traffic regulations to ensure the festival is celebrated successfully. Dolloi Puramon Kynjing expressed gratitude to the members of Seiñ Raij for upholding traditional customs, noting that the festival symbolises a prayer for peace and prosperity. He also appealed to the public to reduce vehicle use to prevent congestion in the town. Regarding logistics, assistant secretary Wyraiki Kharbuki said that public parking has been arranged at Madan Jrisaleiñ and the Iawmusiang Seiñ Raij site. Parking for invited guests will be available at Mooliksoo, near Madan Biar ka Blai, Madan Tpep Pale, and Madan Ryngkaw.
HITO wants ‘polluting’ cement units in Umiam closed down
SHILLONG, July 2: Fearing that the scenic Umiam corridor is rapidly descending into a pollution crisis mirroring the industrial wasteland of Byrnihat, the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) on Thursday demanded the immediate closure of cement units found violating environmental norms in Ri-Bhoi. The organisation submitted a memorandum to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) following local complaints regarding excessive dust emissions from RNB Cement Pvt. Ltd. Residents allege the pollution is now a direct threat to public health and the surrounding environment. HITO president Donbok Dkhar stated that while the MSPCB has previously directed factories in Umiam to comply with environmental safeguards, these directives have not stopped the degradation. He warned that timely intervention is critical to prevent Umiam from becoming as polluted as Byrnihat, where air quality has long been a major concern. Dkhar further claimed that nearly 30 per cent of Meghalaya is now affected by pollution, citing deteriorating air quality in the industrial belts of East Jaintia Hills and Ri-Bhoi. He attributed the persistence of these issues to the state government’s failure to strictly enforce environmental regulations.
KHNAM demands MUDA clarify delay in recruitment results
SHILLONG, July 2: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has sought an explanation from the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) over the delayed results for the post of Assistant Architect/Assistant Urban Planner. In a representation submitted to MUDA officials, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah noted that while interviews were conducted on February 27, 2026, the final results remain unannounced more than four months later. He stated that the prolonged wait has caused uncertainty and frustration among job aspirants. “It is surprising that the selection process has not been finalised, leading applicants to raise many questions. Such delays only add to the growing frustration among educated unemployed youth,” Passah said. He added that many young people are losing faith in government recruitment, with increasing concerns regarding transparency and fairness. “There is a growing perception that securing a government job depends on factors other than merit and qualifications. This is a matter that needs to be addressed seriously,” Passah said, stressing that timely results are essential to maintain the credibility of public institutions.
Plea for local hiring at state varsity
TURA, July 2: A group of senior citizens from Tura has appealed to the Vice Chancellor of Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU) to prioritise local recruitment and strictly adhere to the Meghalaya State Reservation Policy. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, signatories G Ch Momin, CT Sangma, CR Marak, D Ch Marak, A M Marak, and L Ch Sangma noted that the university was established to serve students from the region who cannot afford to study elsewhere. The citizens further highlighted that during the land acquisition process for the Balagre campus, assurances were given that the institution would provide employment to local residents.
