By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Sep 2: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has sanctioned 50 MBBS seats for Shillong Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) for the 2025–26 academic year, marking an important step for Meghalaya’s medical education sector.
With this, SMCH has joined the list of 21 institutions across 13 states that have been allotted seats by the NMC.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh confirmed the development on Tuesday, noting that the approval represents a major achievement for the state.
Earlier this year, the government had set up the Shillong Medical College Council to oversee academic and administrative matters.
Headed by the Dean and comprising 14 members, the Council is tasked with formulating academic policies, ensuring compliance with NMC regulations, monitoring the quality of teaching, clinical training, and research, and recommending faculty development initiatives. It will also review departmental activities, encourage inter-departmental collaboration, and provide guidance on infrastructure and staffing needs.
Alongside this, a Fees Committee has been created under the Health and Family Welfare Department to regulate the fees for students admitted to medical and nursing courses in government institutions.
Several other committees have also been notified for the new college. The Anti-Ragging Committee, chaired by the Dean, will work to prevent and act on incidents of ragging within the campus and hostels. The Gender Harassment Committee, led by the Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, will address complaints of gender-based harassment. Additionally, a Pharmacovigilance Committee has been formed to monitor the safe use of medicines.
The approval of seats, coupled with these institutional mechanisms, has laid the foundation for Shillong Medical College to begin functioning in line with national standards.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Sep 2: The Meghalaya government’s investment in festivals and cultural events during 2024 brought in a substantial return of Rs 133.42 crore against an expenditure of Rs 23.50 crore, Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said on Tuesday after unveiling the state’s Autumn Calendar 2025.
He stated that the government supported a series of events last year, including the Me’Gong Festival, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, and the Shillong Literary Festival.
He explained that the combined outlay of Rs 23.50 crore generated an impressive return, underlining the role of tourism in driving local revenues.
Lyngdoh pointed out that the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival alone delivered strong results in 2024. An investment of Rs 5 crore by the government resulted in an economic stimulus of Rs 59.98 crore.
He added that the tentative budget for the 2025 edition has been fixed at Rs 4 crore.
Providing details of this year’s plan, Lyngdoh said that the festival would be hosted at the JN Stadium in Shillong on November 14 and 15.
The approach road to Polo Ground will be pedestrianised for the duration of the festival, with stalls and displays lining the stretch to create a walk-in experience for visitors.
He said the intention is to provide a different atmosphere compared to past editions and to enhance the overall visitor experience.
The announcement formed part of the broader Autumn Calendar 2025, which highlights the state’s major upcoming cultural and tourism events aimed at consolidating Meghalaya’s reputation as a festival destination.
Lyngdoh further said that this year’s festival season has been structured under the Autumn Calendar 2025 as part of continued efforts to elevate tourism as a major sector.
The Autumn Calendar includes the Mega Kayak Festival from October 14 to 18, the Seventh Hour 4×4 Off-Road Challenge from October 23 to 25, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival on November 14 and 15, the Shillong Literary Festival from November 20 to 22, the Me’Gong Festival on November 28 and 29, and the Winter Tales festival from December 11 to 13.
Lyngdoh said the government views these festivals as strategic investments that generate significant economic benefits. He added that local artists have gained from initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Youth Mentorship Programme, which has already provided a platform to over 7,000 performers, some of whom are now preparing for shows in Singapore.
The minister highlighted long-term infrastructure plans, including two five-star hotels coming up in Umiam and two in Sohra. Other projects include a rain museum in Mawsynram and the Mawmluh experiential cave, aimed at diversifying tourist experiences. Lyngdoh pointed out that Sohra has more than 500 homestays that are directly supporting local families.
He emphasised that festivals should not be seen as expenses but as investments that attract visitors, boost the local economy, and create resources to support other essential sectors.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Sep 2: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Tuesday called upon local Dorbar Shnongs to step up efforts against drug trafficking by setting up Village Defence Parties (VDPs) in their respective localities.
Lyngdoh said the state government recently revised the honorarium for VDP members, increasing the yearly incentive from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000. He said the members would not be expected to patrol streets round the clock but provide intelligence and leads to the police.
He expressed disappointment that Shillong, with a population of more than six lakh, currently has only 11 VDPs. “We had a well-attended meeting at the NEC building in Nongrim Hills with the representatives of major Dorbar Shnongs. I appealed to them to make use of the VDP scheme, which is a recognised legal entity working in coordination with the police and offering legal coverage and protection,” Lyngdoh said.
He added that the fight against narcotics is a joint responsibility, saying, “This is not government versus people, but government and people together.”
On enforcement, Lyngdoh said six repeat offenders have been booked under the PITNDPS Act and detained for a year, with the period extendable in case of further violations.
He highlighted the government’s support to enforcement agencies, noting that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) personnel and volunteers had received cash incentives, including Rs 10,000 per volunteer, for the first time.
The Minister underlined that policing must remain in the hands of trained authorities, cautioning against vigilante-style activism.
“The ANTF is now a dedicated police unit led by an SP, with its own vehicles and trained staff. They are active daily in areas like Iewduh and cantonment, which were not covered earlier,” he said.
He cautioned that vigilante-style activism is not only illegal but that, it also weakens the government’s efforts to tackle the menace of drug trafficking.
Recently, a video, showing a group of drug addicts being beaten up in a corner, went viral on social media.
The Minister said, “It is illegal and dangerous for untrained individuals to confront suspected peddlers directly, as they risk exposure to contaminated syringes and other hazards”.
“You cannot tackle drugs by going on this vigilantism because, for instance, when you seize drugs from somebody, they are now under your possession and you may be accused,” he added.

From Our Correspondent

TURA, Sep 2: A resident of Khaldang Songma under Resubelpara in North Garo Hills has written to the Chairperson of the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission, Justice T Vaiphel seeking his intervention into the alleged unfair termination of a handicapped schoolteacher.
According to the complainant-Tatu R Marak, the services of his father, Kiljon Sangma was abruptly terminated by the school headmaster and the concerned SDSEO. Marak had worked as a teacher at the Khaldang Upper Primary School.
Claiming that the abrupt termination of his father’s service was illegal, the complainant sought an investigation into the matter to ensure Justice for his father as well as financial compensation.

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Sep 2: The outgoing Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice IP Mukherjee, has lauded the remarkable etiquette of the Bar in the state.
Speaking at his farewell programme organised by the Shillong Bar Association recently, Justice Mukherjee remarked that if one were to write a book on courtroom etiquette, it should be based on what he witnessed in Meghalaya. He observed that unlike in other High Courts, where lawyers are often seen wrangling and shouting, advocates in Shillong maintain silence, dignity, and grace. Even when they disagree with a judgment, he noted, they prefer to pursue proper legal remedies rather than resort to disruption.
“This is something which I described as the true hallmark of a cultured Bar,” said Justice Mukherjee, who will retire on September 5.
The outgoing Chief Justice also admired the high level of learning among the lawyers, pointing out that many are able to cite Supreme Court judgments delivered just weeks earlier. While urging them to keep this spirit alive, he appealed for fewer adjournments and quicker disposal of cases, reminding that delays only add to litigation.
Reflecting on his visits to Europe and America, Justice Mukherjee said the High Court of Meghalaya is comparable in terms of dignity and infrastructure. However, he also noted that unlike India, where a backlog of one lakh cases is common, such figures would shock courts abroad.
Justice Mukherjee further praised the majestic High Court building, its competent staff and officers, and recalled a conversation with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma in which he suggested transferring more cases to the court to help reduce pendency nationwide.
He also stressed the need for stronger infrastructure in Shillong, particularly a larger airport capable of handling bigger aircraft, which he said would boost connectivity, trade, and economic growth.
Finally, Justice Mukherjee described Meghalaya as a “nation within a nation”—unique in its culture, traditions, and climate, which he said is not only congenial for living but also for the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
In their address, the two judges of the High Court of Meghalaya, Justice Hamarsing Thangkhiew and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, also praised the outgoing Chief Justice.

From Our Correspondent

NONGPOH, Sep 2: The 14th edition of India-Thailand joint military exercise ‘MAITREE-XIV’ commenced with a grand opening ceremony at Joint Training Node (JTN), Umroi, on Tuesday. The exercise will run till September 14. The bilateral exercise is part of the ongoing military-to-military exchange programme between the two countries and aims to enhance cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army.
The 13th edition of the exercise was held at Fort Vachiraprakan in Tak Province, Thailand.
The Indian Army contingent, comprising 120 personnel, is being represented by a Battalion of the Madras Regiment. The Royal Thai Army contingent comprising 53 personnel is represented by the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade.
The joint exercise will focus on company-level counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
The fortnight-long programme includes tactical drills, joint planning, special arms skills, physical fitness and raiding operations.
The exercise will culminate with a 48-hour validation exercise, simulating realistic operational scenarios.
Exercise ‘MAITREE’, instituted in 2006, is one of the important joint training exercises between India and Thailand.
The current edition further reinforces the bilateral defence cooperation and reflects the shared commitment of both Armies towards peace, stability and security in the region.

Crematoria issue

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, Sep 2: The High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday directed a committee associated with last rites to act with more speed, and move the state government for land to set up crematoria and cemeteries in the state.
The government-constituted committee was also asked to form district-level panels, if needed, for acquiring and allotting public land for the purpose.
The court issued the directions after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the Seng Khasi Hima Crematorium on the problems and the disputes regarding cremation and burial of deceased members from various communities.
A division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh went through the submission made by Amicus Curiae N Syngkon that as per the court’s order dated July 7, 2025, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang had constituted a committee comprising “a selection of stakeholders” to resolve the twin issues of dispute between non-Christian Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes and Hindus with sharing of crematoria and a similar dispute between various denominations of the Christian faith with regard to sharing of cemeteries/burial grounds.
Syngkon submitted that the committee held a meeting on August 27, 2025, and resolved that district-level state committees would be constituted and the state government would be moved to allocate funds for this purpose.
The court directed the committee to hold frequent meetings to cause the said various sects, who cremate their dead, to come to a solution regarding sharing of crematoria, and members of the Christian denominations who bury their dead to share common cemeteries.
“…The state government shall, on the basis of a decision taken by the Committee, take all steps to acquire land and release funds for the implementation of our order,” the bench ordered.
It directed the Amicus Curiae to file a report in the court before the PIL’s next returnable date which is October 23.
The court ordered that the Amicus Curiae will be paid further ad hoc remuneration equal to the amount already paid in the same manner before the returnable date.