The Shillong Times

SHILLONG, Nov 10: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the Shillong Ropeway Project and for the Protection of U Lum Shyllong Catchment Areas has remained firm in its opposition, vowing to continue its agitation until the government scraps the project. The JAC, however, has agreed to attend a meeting convened by South Shillong MLA Sanbor []

London, Nov 10: The Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford has handed over the remains of 39 Naga ancestors for their journey back home to India. A 30-strong delegation from Nagaland received the remains at a handover ceremony in Oxford on Monday. The ancestors, most of which are skulls, will be given what []

Washington, Nov 10: Two Mexican boat pilots were sentenced to 70 months in prison each over a maritime smuggling voyage that killed four people, including two Indian children, when an overloaded vessel capsized off California in May 2025. Jesus Ivan Rodriguez Leyva, 28, and Julio Cesar Zuniga Luna, 32, were sentenced in federal court for []

Quetta, Nov 10: Pakistani forces came under a series of drone and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks across Balochistans Mastung and Kalat districts, resulting in multiple casualties and significant material losses, according to local media reports citing sources. Reports suggest that at least two drones struck the main military camp in the Khadkocha area of []

Washington, Nov 10: Five US lawmakers and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson have condemned the disruption of a Diwali celebration by protesters carrying anti-Hindu and anti-Indian signs. The incident occurred on Saturday at the Seattle Centre Armoury during Diwali: Lights of India, a free public festival featuring Indian music, dance and cultural activities. The Coalition of []

Dhaka, Nov 10: Two garment workers were injured in clashes with police in Bangladesh on Tuesday as protests demanding higher minimum wages resumed after a break of several days, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces. The protests resumed after a few days of suspension, including during government holidays, with workers at various factories in []

Washington, Nov 10: The White House was briefly placed on lockdown after two separate security incidents occurred near Lafayette Park, just north of the presidential residence. In one incident, a car drove onto the sidewalk and struck an informational sign, while in the other, an individual jumped a barricade near the parks northwest corner on []

Her rise to power a mysterious coincidence: Kangana Actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut has launched a sharp attack on senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, questioning her rise to political prominence and describing the sequence of events surrounding the Gandhi family as a series of way too many coincidences. In a strongly []

TURA, Nov 10: Garo Hills is preparing for its largest-ever Wangala Festival, coinciding with the golden jubilee of the communitys biggest post-harvest celebration and an attempt at a Guinness World Record. The four-day event begins on November 11 at Wangala Adam near Chibagre village in West Garo Hills. Troupes from across the Northeast and beyond []

SHILLONG, Nov 10: Chief Minister and NPP National President Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday defended the decision to restrict voting and candidature in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections to Scheduled Tribe members, describing it as a genuine demand rooted in the councils constitutional mandate to protect indigenous rights and interests. Sangma said []

SHILLONG, Nov 10: State Congress president Vincent H. Pala on Tuesday predicted that the Voice of the People Party (VPP) would struggle to replicate its 2024 electoral breakthrough, accusing the party of betraying the public trust that had propelled it into prominence. Speaking to reporters after an election campaign for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha []

SHILLONG, Nov 10: Short weighing, delayed foodgrain distribution and inadequate infrastructure at Anganwadi Centres are among the concerns flagged by the Meghalaya State Food Commission in its assessment of food security programmes across the state. The Commission, in its Annual Report 2025-2026, has highlighted gaps in the implementation of key programmes under the National Food []

NONGPOH, Nov 10: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has renewed its concerns over the proposed Facilitation Centre at Umling, alleging that the governments current plan gives greater priority to other facilities, including a food court, than to the centres primary purpose. The central leadership of the KSU, accompanied by leaders and members of its North []

SHILLONG, Nov 10: The Meghalaya College Teachers Association (MCTA) has extended its support to the Khasi Jaintia Deficit School Teachers Association (KJDSTA) in its decision to launch an indefinite strike from November 11, 2026, over its long-pending demands. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the MCTA expressed concern over several issues raised by the KJDSTA, []

SHILLONG, Nov 10: Mounting pressure on the state government to settle the inter-state boundary dispute with Assam, the Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP) has insisted that the long-pending issue must be resolved before the 2028 Assembly elections. The party also reiterated its commitment to its founding principles, including the demand for recognition of Khasi []

SHILLONG, Nov 10: The Fashion Society Shillong (FSS) will host the 43rd edition of the Miss Shillong Supermodel Contest 2026 on November 21 at the U Soso Tham Auditorium. FSS president Aldous Mawlong announced on Tuesday that 14 contestants will compete for the title across three categories: Traditional Fusion, Wings of Fantasy, and The Little []

SHILLONG, Nov 10: The Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has invited proposals from experienced firms to design, brand and launch three new food and beverage (F&B) outlets at the heritage Pinewood Hotel in Shillong. The project includes a cocktail bar, a coffee bar and a restaurant as part of the hotels ongoing renovation and repositioning. []

JOWAI, Nov 10: Midday meal workers under the All Jaitia Midday Meal Worker Union (AJMDMWU) met on Tuesday at Dulong Community Hall to demand an increase in their monthly honorarium to Rs 9,000 from the central governments share. At present, workers receive a Central share of Rs 900, while the Meghalaya government provides Rs 1,100, []

Guwahati, Nov 10: The Assam government is considering a major project to reclaim land lost to changes in the course of the Brahmaputra River over the years. In this regard, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday visited Kayantol at Hajo in Kamrup district, and Sonka at Mayong in Morigaon district to assess the feasibility []

Guwahati, Nov 10: The Assam excise department has declared dry days in 11 districts of the state in view of the Mising Autonomous Council and Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council elections. According to the order issued by the departments commissioner and secretary, the sale, distribution and consumption of liquor and other intoxicating substances have been strictly []

Chokpot Block-ni gital office, PRIME Hub-koba kulie onangjola TURA: South Garo Hills ajani Chokpot-o gong kror 9.26 koros onge rikgipa Farmers Market-ko Sombar salo, adokni Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma nokdonggae onangaha aro ia Farmers Market-ko nokdonggaanio, Chokpot MLA Sengchim N Sangma, South Garo Hills-ni official-rang aro jolo songdongenggipa manderangba dongpae bak raangtokaha.| Ia Farmers []

SHILLONG: Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) election-o gipin jatrangni bak rapaaniko champengna aro dingtang electoral roll-ko tarina niamrangko taridapna mananiara sorkarini kam kaani asel ongja indiba dingtang dingtang NGO-rang aro Garo Hills-o songdongenggipa manderangni ruuta bilsirangna dabiani aro jingjengatani aselsa chusokna manaha ine Congress dolni dilgipa aro Tura-ni Lok Sabha MP Saleng A Sangma []

SHILLONG: Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC)-o Trinamool Congress (TMC)-ni MDC sakgittam, National Peoples Party (NPP)-o napangani jaman gipin sakgittam MDC-rangba party-o napangkuani cholrang donga ine NPP-ni dilgipa aro adokni Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak parakataha. Adita salrangna skangsan TMC-ni MDC sakgittam, chongmotan Kharkutta-ni MDC Cherak W Momin, Williamnagar-ni MDC Alphonsush R Marak aro Balachanda []

New Delhi, Nov 9: When Mohammed Shami officially called time on his Test career last Friday, the customary wave of digital tributes followed. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former teammates, and supporters celebrated a 13-year journey that yielded 229 wickets across 64 Tests. Yet, beneath the laudatory posts lay an unsettling []

Kumamoto (Japan), Nov 9: Bolstered by a timely win at Germany, India ace shuttler Lakshya Sen will look to strengthen his bid for a place in the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals when he competes at the USD 500,000 Kumamoto Masters Japan Super 500 tournament, beginning here on Tuesday. World No. 13 Lakshya, who ended []

New Delhi, Nov 9: A fit-again Jemimah Rodrigues made her way back as India stuck to the tried and tested in the squads announced on Monday for an all-format womens cricket tour of South Africa next month. Former captain Harmanpreet Kaur also found a place in all three line-ups to be led by Smriti Mandhana. []

New Delhi, Nov 9: A growing rift between foreign rifle coach Thomas Farnik and national coach Deepali Deshpande has come to the fore following Indias disappointing campaign in the air rifle events at the ongoing ISSF World Championship in Doha, with the Austrian feeling that he is being sidelined by the domestic coaching staff. According []

New Delhi, Nov 9: Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha on Monday failed to get elected, but former shuttler Saina Nehwal made the cut as one of the four women Sportspersons of Merit (SOM) in a field of six candidates following a controversial election. Legendary long jumper Anju Bobby George, former archer Dola Banerjee and []

New Delhi, Nov 9: Olympic bronze medallist Sanjay will lead a young Indian mens hockey team on a three-match tour of New Zealand from November 15 to 23, marking 100 years of sporting ties between the two countries. India will take on the hosts on November 19, 21 and 22 at the Lloyd Elsmore Hockey []

By Jagdish Rattanani The joint Opposition rally of November 1 marks a turning point in the agitation for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, and more significantly against those seen as his political masters who have worked to enable and protect him. At this stage, the Opposition can no longer work within []

The Government had earlier warned of the El Nino effect and cautioned citizens to use water judiciously. Using water is one thing but getting that water regularly is quite another. Rivers that used to provide water for drinking, cooking and sanitationand also support agriculture, sustain aquaculture and recharge groundwaterare now useless because they are highly []

Mumbai, Nov 9: Indian benchmark indices closed higher on Monday after a volatile and range-bound trading session, supported by strong buying in PSU bank and pharmaceutical stocks. The 30-share Sensex gained 107.25 points, or 0.13 per cent, to settle at 81,106.65, while the Nifty advanced 58.25 points, or 0.23 per cent, to close at 25,044.65. []

MUMBAI, Nov 9: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reported a 21.52 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs 25,568 crore for the first half of FY2026-27, compared to Rs 21,040 crore in the corresponding period last year. The insurers total premium income grew 11.64 per cent to Rs 2,74,269 crore during the []

Mumbai, Nov 9: The rupee settled higher by 5 paise at 93.93 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, boosted by easing crude oil prices, stronger foreign fund inflows, and optimism regarding de-escalation in West Asia. Forex traders said continued foreign inflows, stable crude, and a mild dollar offer tailwinds for the rupee. However, gains []

HITO backs protest; Sutnga women join sit-in; city-based womens body for CMs intervention SHILLONG, Nov 9: Opposition to the proposed Shillong Ropeway Project is widening, with the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) accusing the NPP-led government of pursuing the project to serve the financial interests of the ruling party, even as women from Sutnga in []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: The Green Tech Foundation (GTF) on Monday questioned the Riat Laban Dorbar Pylluns decision to oppose the Armys proposed construction on a piece of land but subsequently agree to hand it over to the Tourism Department, alleging that the shift in stance could be linked to the Rs 1 crore annual compensation []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: The KSU Mawprem Circle on Sunday intervened against the bursting of firecrackers beyond the hours permitted by the District Administration, urging residents to adhere to the prescribed restrictions. In a statement issued on Monday, the organisations Environment Secretary, Stefford Kharjahrin, said members conducted inspections at various locations in Mawprem and intervened against []

(Clockwise L-R) A firecracker illuminates the skyline; houses are adorned with lights; priests offer prayers to Goddess Kali, on the occasion of Diwali in the city. (ST)

SHILLONG, Nov 9: The state government is set to spend over Rs 100 crore on the construction of a new State Guest House at Umsawli in New Shillong Township (NST). The Directorate of Urban Affairs has invited sealed tenders from registered Class-I contractors for the project, which has an estimated cost of Rs 103.65 crore. []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: The railway connectivity in North Garo Hills is significantly benefiting local farmers by providing affordable access to markets outside the state, Deputy Commissioner MSN Marak said on Monday. During a press tour organised by the DIPR, the DC highlighted how Mendipathar Railway StationMeghalayas firstallows farmers to transport organic produce to Guwahati and []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: The grandfather of 16-year-old Ekansh Jindal, whose body was found under mysterious circumstances in Shillong on March 31, has urged police to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the alleged involvement of a drug network. Advocate V.K. Jindal said the post-mortem examination detected tramadol in Ekanshs stomach, []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: Khasi film Ki Sngi Badum (The Dark Days) has brought honour to the local film industry by winning the Best Feature Film award at the Mumbai Independent Film Festival 2026, held from October 30 to November 1. The movie also secured the Tagore Best Filmmaker Award at the 5th International Tagore Film []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: Challenging Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to substantiate his allegations of vote theft, BJP Meghalaya vice-president and MDC Bernard N Marak has said claims of electoral malpractice must be backed by credible evidence and tested through constitutional mechanisms. In a statement, Marak said the SIR exercise in Meghalaya had identified questionable entries in []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: The newly constructed Umiam bypass road has emerged as a challenge for night super buses heading to the Shillong ISBT, with drivers citing its narrow width and frequent truck breakdowns as reasons for difficulties in reaching the terminus. Some bus drivers have expressed concern over the narrow width of the bypass road, []

NONGPOH, Nov 9: Going beyond their classrooms and playgrounds, children from Thad and KyrdemKulai 6 Kilo villages on Monday approached the RiBhoi Deputy Commissioner with a memorandum highlighting safety concerns and infrastructure gaps in their communities. In what is perhaps a rare initiative, the children stepped forward to take up the role of community advocates, []

SHILLONG, Nov 9: A severe hailstorm has devastated paddy fields in Langniuh and adjoining villages under the Mairang C&RD Block in Eastern West Khasi Hills, flattening standing crops just weeks before the harvest. Heavy rain and hailstones battered the area for nearly an hour on Sunday afternoon, destroying mature paddy that was ready for harvesting. []

New Delhi, Nov 9: China has extended the suspension of an additional 24 per cent tariff on imports from the United States for two months and prolonged the suspension of special port fees on US-linked vessels, while maintaining the existing 10 per cent tariff on affected goods. The 24 per cent additional tariff on US []

SHILLONG: Ease of Operating Schools (EoOS) Index 2026-o India asongni dam 30 adokrangoni Meghalaya, 18-gipa gadangko manaha aro ia Index-ko New Delhi-ni Centre for Civil Society (CCS), Bristibar salo, adokni Education Department-na pakwate onangaha. Ia Index-ko CCS-o Policy Outreach-ni Director ongenggipa Manoj Mathew, Education Department-na mesoke onangaha aro iani jaman Education official-rang baksa tome chanchrimangaha. []

By Morningstar Sumer The history of a region is never complete if we listen only to the chronicles of powerful kingdoms and overlook the memories, place-names and traditions of its indigenous peoples. The Kupli (Kopili) Valley invites us to ask whether an important part of Northeast Indias past remains insufficiently explored. At the centre of []