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Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced a judicial inquiry into the illegal coal mine blast in East Jaintia Hills that killed 27 people, aiming to investigate causes and prevent future tragedies.

Meghalaya CM Orders Probe Into Deadly Mine Blast Fatal Incident

Judicial Inquiry into Meghalaya Mine Blast

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced a judicial inquiry into the illegal coal mine blast in East Jaintia Hills that killed 27 people, aiming to investigate causes and prevent future tragedies.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday announced a judicial inquiry into the blast at the illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills district that claimed the lives of 27 people.
The explosion happened last week at the illegal mine in the remote Thangsku area in Mynsngat village.
"The Government has decided to constitute a Judicial Inquiry Commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act to investigate the recent tragic mining incident in Mynsngat - Thangsko area in East Jaintia Hills," Sangma said in a post on X.
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;The Government has decided to constitute a Judicial Inquiry Commission under the Commission of Inquiry Act to investigate the recent tragic mining incident in Mynsngat - Thangsko area in East Jaintia Hills&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/SangmaConrad/status/2020705180556439955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;February 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;
The blast had triggered a massive search and rescue operation, involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, district administration and local volunteers. The operation continued for days before all the bodies were recovered.
A senior officer of the Home Department said the judicial inquiry would examine the circumstances leading to the incident, fix responsibility and recommend measures to prevent such tragedies in future.
Rat-hole mining in Meghalaya was prohibited by the National Green Tribunal in 2014 due to environmental concerns. Despite the ban, instances of illegal coal extraction continue to be reported from various districts.

Meghalaya Police arrest two people in connection with an illegal coal mine blast that killed 18 in East Jaintia Hills, as rescue operations continue and the CM promises strict action.

Meghalaya mine blast: Two persons arrested as CM warns of strict action

Meghalaya Police arrest two people in connection with an illegal coal mine blast that killed 18 in East Jaintia Hills, as rescue operations continue and the CM promises strict action.

Meghalaya Police have arrested two persons in connection with a blast in an illegal coal mine that claimed 18 lives, even as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma asserted that his government would take stringent action against those responsible for the incident.
Director General of Police I Nongrang said that besides the two arrests, a third person has been identified in connection with the incident and further investigation is underway.
At least 18 people have been killed and eight others injured in an explosion at the illegal mine in remote Thangsku area in East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday.
Seven of the eight injured miners have been identified. Four are from Nepal, two from Assam and one is a local, another police officer said, adding they are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Shillong.
"The process of identifying the deceased is underway," the officer told PTI.
The CM has, meanwhile, asked two cabinet ministers to visit the spot, meet officials and take stock of the rescue, relief and law and order situation.
Senior police officers, including the Inspector General of Police of the range, and officials of the mining department are already present at the site, he said.
Sangma said the police have been instructed to take strict action against those responsible for the incident and warned that illegal mining activities would not be tolerated.
With the start of scientific mining, miners are expected to apply for legal mining licences, he said, adding that the option is now available and such incidents cannot be allowed to happen.
The chief minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh each from the state government to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the incident.
Search and rescue operations resumed on Friday morning at 9.55 am with multiple agencies pressed into service amid fears that more people might be trapped.
Two teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), one Special Rescue Team (SRT) and three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have deployed at the site, an official said.
Additional medical teams from Jowai and Shillong have been mobilised, with seven ambulances dispatched from Jowai.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has also deployed one deputy commandant, 15 personnel, two ambulances with nursing staffers and two doctors to assist in the operation.
The rescue operation is being carried out in a coordinated manner with all agencies on the ground, and medical support has been strengthened to handle the injured, the State Disaster Management Authority said.
Officials said the Army and the Air Force have also been kept on standby as rescue efforts continue.
The district administration and the SDMA are closely monitoring the situation, they added.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, while praying for the early recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pained by the mishap and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Sangma and assured him of all possible support from the Centre for the ongoing rescue operations.
The Meghalaya High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on the incident and directed the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police of East Jaintia Hills to identify and arrest mine owners and operators involved in illegal mining.
The court has also summoned the two officers to appear in person with details of action taken.
The incident has again brought focus on illegal coal mining in the state.
The National Green Tribunal had banned rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, along with restrictions on the transportation of illegally mined coal, citing environmental damage and safety hazards.
Despite the ban, the state has witnessed a series of fatal accidents in coal mines in recent years.
The state government has said mining will now be allowed only under scientific and regulated procedures, and miners have been urged to obtain proper licences and operate strictly within the legal framework.
Rat-hole mining involves digging narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal.
The horizontal tunnels are often termed "rat-holes", as each just about fits one person.

A blast at an illegal coal mine in Thangsku, Meghalaya, killed at least 18 labourers, with rescue teams battling tough terrain and safety challenges.

Women wail, villagers gather near mine as blast claims lives of 18 in Meghalaya

A blast at an illegal coal mine in Thangsku, Meghalaya, killed at least 18 labourers, with rescue teams battling tough terrain and safety challenges.

Grief enveloped the remote Thangsku area in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday as women wailed and villagers gathered near the illegal coal mine where at least 18 labourers died in an explosion.
The blast occurred at Thangsko area of Mynsngat village, around 30 km from the district headquarters at Khliehriat, officials said.
Villagers said scenes of chaos unfolded soon after the explosion, with women and children from nearby makeshift workers sheds crying inconsolably as rescue teams rushed to the site.
Videos that surfaced on social media showed thick smoke billowing out from what locals claimed were three mine shafts shortly after the explosion.
Local elders at Mynsyngat told PTI that they fear that more than 30-40 people were trapped inside when the blast occurred.
"So far, 18 bodies have been retrieved from the site," district Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said.
Thangsku is a remote and forested area where hundreds of illegal coal mine shafts are present. Locals said rescue efforts were slowed by the difficult terrain and safety concerns after sunset.
Officials said teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and Special Rescue Team are engaged in search and recovery operations.
Residents said many of those working inside the mines were daily wage labourers who had travelled from different parts of the state, besides Assam and Nepal.
Relatives and villagers gathered near the site, anxiously waiting for updates as rescue and recovery operations progressed.
Anti-mining activist Agnes Kharshiing blamed the government and district authorities for the tragedy, alleging that illegal coal mining had continued despite repeated warnings and previous accidents.
"This is a homicide," she told PTI, adding that the accident was proof of what she described as attempts by the state government to hide the reality of continuing illegal mining.
Kharshiing was once attacked by the coal mafias that left her injured and under treatment for a long time.
Police have registered a case in connection with the incident and an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the alleged illegal mining activities.

India submits nomination dossier of Meghalaya’s living root bridges to UNESCO, seeking global recognition for the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities’ cultural heritage.

India Seeks UNESCO World Heritage Status for Meghalaya's Living Root Bridges

India's Bid for Meghalaya's Root Bridges

India submits nomination dossier of Meghalaya&rsquo;s living root bridges to UNESCO, seeking global recognition for the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities&rsquo; cultural heritage.

India has submitted the nomination dossier of Meghalaya's living root bridges to UNESCO in Paris for consideration to include it in the World Heritage list for 2026-27, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Thursday.
The dossier was handed over by India's Ambassador Vishal V Sharma to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre Director Lazare Assomo Eloundou, a statement said.
"We are hopeful that the living root bridges will be inscribed this year, ensuring that the indigenous communities, the true guardians of this living heritage, receive the global recognition they so richly deserve," Sangma said on X.
While submitting the dossier, Sharma, the Permanent Representative to UNESCO, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and the Meghalaya CM for their support for the nomination, the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO said in a statement.
Sharma also acknowledged the role of Meghalaya Principal Secretary Frederick Kharkongor, officers of the Archaeological Survey of India, the Ministry of External Affairs, experts, and the local communities in safeguarding the property and preparing the nomination.
Located across the southern slopes of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of the northeastern state, the nominated property represents a living cultural landscape shaped over centuries by indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities.
"The landscape reflects a deep-rooted and harmonious relationship between people, nature, and spirituality, embodied in traditional systems of land use, governance, and ecological stewardship," the statement said.
The indigenous worldview underpinning the cultural landscape is anchored in principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility towards Mei Ramew (Mother Earth), it added.
"The submission of this nomination underscores India's commitment to recognising and preserving living cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge systems, and to advancing global heritage conservation efforts through UNESCO," the statement concluded.

A poster, allegedly from ISIS, warned Garo community members in West Garo Hills to vacate their land by 2027, prompting Meghalaya police to launch an investigation.

'ISIS poster' threatening Garos to leave area found in Meghalaya; probe launched

A poster, allegedly from ISIS, warned Garo community members in West Garo Hills to vacate their land by 2027, prompting Meghalaya police to launch an investigation.

A poster threatening people to vacate their land in parts of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district was put up in Tura, purportedly by terror outfit ISIS, prompting the state police to launch an investigation, a senior officer said on Thursday.
The poster, written in English, warned members of the Garo community living in areas such as Phubari, Rajabala, Tikrikilla, Sesla, Garobadha, and Turisori to vacate their plots before 2027, failing which they would face consequences, he said.
"The poster was issued purportedly by ISIS and carries the name of one Aminur Islam. Investigations are underway to ascertain the origin of the poster and the identity of those behind it," the officer added.
State minister Marcuise Marak said the matter was being treated seriously. "Such threats are unacceptable and aimed at creating fear and disturbing communal harmony. The police have taken cognisance of it, and a case has been registered," Marak said in a statement.
The police officer added, "We are verifying whether the use of the name of an international terror organisation in the poster is intended to mislead people and create panic. A thorough investigation is on."
The development comes after the lynching of a young environmental activist in the district earlier this month. Dilseng M. Sangma, who was associated with a Garo tribal organisation, was allegedly attacked by a mob while inspecting an illegal stone quarry in the Rajabala area.
West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma had earlier told PTI that several NGO members had gone to the site to verify complaints of illegal quarrying and were attacked.
The state government ordered strict action against those operating illegal quarries. Additional security deployment has been made in sensitive areas, and authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura on their respective statehood days, praising their cultural heritage, contributions to India’s growth.

PM Modi Greets Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura on Statehood Days

Statehood Day: Modi's Greetings to NE States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to the people of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura on their respective statehood days, praising their cultural heritage, contributions to India&rsquo;s growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the people of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on their respective statehood days.&nbsp;
He said the people of Manipur are enriching India's progress through their dedication and hard work, and expressed confidence that the state will continue to move forward steadily on the path of development in the times to come.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On the occasion of Manipur Statehood Day, I extend my warm greetings to my sisters and brothers of the state. People from Manipur are enriching the progress of India. This state&rsquo;s passion towards sports, culture and nature is noteworthy. May the state continue to move forward on&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2013801472178430265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The state's passion for sports, rich cultural heritage and close bond with nature are truly noteworthy, he said.&nbsp;
Extending greetings to the people of Meghalaya, Modi said the people of the state have made strong contributions to the development of the nation. He noted that the State's cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty are widely admired across the country.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I convey my heartfelt greetings to the people of Meghalaya on their Statehood Day. The people of Meghalaya have made strong contributions to the development of our nation. The state&rsquo;s cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty are widely admired. May Meghalaya keep scaling new heights&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2013801220427641114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The prime minister expressed confidence that Meghalaya will continue to scale new heights of development in the future.
Wishing the people of Tripura, he said the state's journey is marked by a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Warm greetings to the people of Tripura on their Statehood Day. Tripura&rsquo;s journey is marked by a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. The state has witnessed pioneering transformations in diverse fields and its people are adding momentum to India&rsquo;s growth trajectory. I&hellip;
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2013801723840585763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The state has witnessed pioneering transformations in diverse fields and its people are adding momentum to India's growth trajectory. I pray that Tripura prospers significantly in the coming times," Modi said in a post on X.&nbsp;

A study reveals drug use among Meghalaya youth begins as early as age 10. Highlights include heroin predominance and a call for preventive outreach.

Alarmingly Early Drug Use Among Meghalaya Youths, Study Reveals

Alerting study: Meghalaya's youth start drugs as early as 10 years old. Highlights addiction trends, primary heroin use, and calls for prevention efforts.

Early Drug Use Among Meghalaya Youth Revealed

Study finds early drug use in Meghalaya, with initiation ages as young as 10. Heroin is popular, affecting males in unorganized sectors. Outreach programs are needed.

A troubling new study reveals that drug use among Meghalaya's youth begins alarmingly early, with some starting as young as 10 years old, significantly earlier than the average initiation age of 22 in neighboring Manipur and Nagaland.
Published in the April-June 2025 edition of the Indian Journal of Public Health, the qualitative research was conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Health in Shillong and the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society.
Researchers surveyed 128 participants who were enrolled in opioid substitution therapy programs across the regions of East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills, in addition to interviewing 17 service providers.
The study found the mean age of drug initiation to be 19, with more than a third of respondents beginning as minors and a quarter still in school at the time.
According to the study, an overwhelming 91 percent of the drug users are male. Notably, 80 percent are employed in the unorganised sector, and over half have received less than 10 years of formal education.
Key factors driving initial drug use include curiosity, family problems, peer pressure, and the need to relieve stress, noted the study. Heroin was identified as the most commonly injected drug, with daily usage costs ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2,500.
Access to drugs was described as "easy," achieved through marketplaces and mobile transactions. Once the initial phase of peer sharing subsided, many users began borrowing or stealing money, the study found.
Researchers warned that early initiation heightens the risk of long-term addiction, linking this trend to a breakdown in traditional community support systems. While polydrug use was rare, many users transitioned from pills or marijuana to heroin over time.
Furthermore, potent heroin variants locally known as 'black tiger' and 'double tiger' were reported to be especially addictive. The study urgently calls for outreach programs in educational institutions and community spaces to prevent early drug initiation and tackle the increasing usage trend.
&nbsp;
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
&nbsp;

Meghalaya's government considers mandatory HIV/AIDS testing before marriage due to rising cases, aiming to implement measures similar to Goa's policy.

Meghalaya Considers Mandatory HIV Testing Before Marriage

Amid rising HIV cases, Meghalaya may mandate HIV testing before marriage. Health Minister Lyngdoh advocates for measures seen in Goa, focusing on high-incidence areas like East Khasi Hills.

Meghalaya Plans Mandatory HIV Testing Before Marriage

The Meghalaya government is considering compulsory HIV/AIDS testing before marriage due to rising cases. Health Minister Lyngdoh highlights the urgent need for policy similar to Goa's, with special focus on East Khasi Hills and transmission via sexual contact.

The government of Meghalaya is considering the introduction of legislation to make HIV/AIDS testing compulsory before marriage due to the rising number of cases in the state, according to Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh. Meghalaya is currently ranked sixth in the country regarding HIV/AIDS prevalence, with the northeastern region as a whole facing significant challenges, as noted by Lyngdoh. Reflecting on Goa's policy of mandatory testing, Lyngdoh questioned, "If Goa has implemented such a measure, why shouldn't Meghalaya adopt similar legislation?" She believes these laws would be beneficial to the broader community.
The state has expressed its readiness to undertake strong measures. Lyngdoh attended a meeting led by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, with Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh and eight MLAs from East Khasi Hills district present to design a comprehensive policy on HIV/AIDS as an urgent mission.
The Health Department has been tasked with preparing a cabinet note on this policy. Lyngdoh mentioned that similar meetings would take place in the Garo Hills and Jaintia Hills regions to formulate area-specific approaches, consulting with bureaucrats and medical experts.
She voiced her concern about the increase in cases, disclosing that East Khasi Hills has recorded 3,432 HIV/AIDS cases, with only 1,581 patients currently receiving treatment. "These figures are concerning, especially in East Khasi Hills, and the Jaintia Hills region has unfortunately reported the highest numbers in the state," Lyngdoh stated.
She emphasized that while public awareness is generally sufficient, the critical issue remains enhancing testing and screening efforts. According to her, 159 deaths have occurred due to disruption in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in that district. "It's essential we integrate everyone tested positive into the treatment system. HIV/AIDS can be managed effectively, similar to cancer or TB, with proper treatment," she urged.
The primary transmission mode in the state is through sexual contact, Lyngdoh highlighted, adding that drug injection is not yet a major transmission factor due to difficulties in identifying users.
(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Meghalaya directs DCs to stay vigilant against illegal immigrant influx following Assam's eviction drives; BSF steps up border surveillance.

Meghalaya Alerts Officials to Counter Illegal Immigrant Influx

Meghalaya Issues Alert on Immigrant Influx

Meghalaya directs DCs to stay vigilant against illegal immigrant influx following Assam's eviction drives; BSF steps up border surveillance.

The Meghalaya government has asked all deputy commissioners in the state to remain alert and take necessary measures to prevent any possible influx of illegal immigrants, following eviction drives being carried out by neighbouring Assam government, an official said on Thursday.
The Meghalaya government has asked all DCs to coordinate with police and border security agencies to monitor vulnerable border areas and prevent any unauthorised entry, the official said.
The directive issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shakil P Ahamed stated: "In view of the ongoing eviction drive against illegal immigrants undertaken by the Government of Assam and to prevent possible influx of the displaced individuals to the state as a consequence, all deputy commissioners are hereby directed to keep vigilant and take necessary measures to ensure the potential influx is kept in check and law and order is maintained." Assam has recently intensified its eviction operations in districts such as Barpeta, Lakhimpur, Hojai and Nagaon, targeting people allegedly encroaching on government and forest lands, many of whom are suspected to be illegal immigrants. Several families have been displaced in the process.
Meanwhile, the Border Security Force (BSF) has also heightened surveillance along the inter-state border. In recent weeks, BSF troops in Meghalaya apprehended several Bangladeshi nationals for entering and travelling without valid documents.

Meghalaya revises minimum wages for unskilled to highly-skilled workers, effective April 1, 2025, adding Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) to daily pay.

Meghalaya govt raises minimum wages of unskilled labourers to Rs 541

Meghalaya revises minimum wages for unskilled to highly-skilled workers, effective April 1, 2025, adding Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) to daily pay.

The Meghalaya government has raised the minimum wages of unskilled labourers to Rs 541 per day, according to a notification issued by the Labour department.
The new wage structure, which includes Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), will come into effect from April 1, 2025, the notification issued on Wednesday said.
Semi-skilled workers will now be entitled to Rs 583 per day, skilled workers Rs 624, and highly-skilled workers Rs 665, it said.
These revised wages consist of a basic daily wage plus a VDA component. For instance, the Rs 541 wage for unskilled workers includes a basic of Rs 525 and Rs 16 as VDA.
In comparison, the previous minimum wages notified on January 14, 2025, were Rs 525, Rs 565, Rs 605, and Rs 645 for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly-skilled workers respectively, without the VDA adjustment.
The latest revision marks an increase of Rs 16 to Rs 20 per day.
The revised wages will apply across 29 scheduled employments in the state, including agriculture, construction, mining, sericulture, domestic work, tailoring, workshops, public transport, registered factories, and casual or contingency employment under government authorities.
The government clarified that the new wage rates are inclusive of VDA but do not include other benefits or concessions that employees may already be receiving.
The existing work schedule of eight hours per day and 48 hours per week remains unchanged. Workers are entitled to one paid weekly day of rest, and overtime wages will be paid at double the normal rate.
Under the official definitions, unskilled work involves simple operations requiring little or no experience; semi-skilled work requires some experience and can be done under supervision; skilled work involves technical training or competence; and highly-skilled work demands expertise and independent judgement.
The revised wage rates will be reviewed and adjusted every six months based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

PM Narendra Modi praised Meghalaya's inclusive growth, calling it a model for self-reliant India after Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit highlighted development efforts.

PM Modi Applauds Meghalaya's Model for Self-Reliance

Meghalaya's Blueprint for Self-Reliance

PM Narendra Modi praised Meghalaya's inclusive growth, calling it a model for self-reliant India after Nirmala Sitharaman&rsquo;s visit highlighted development efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has heaped praises on Meghalaya's development model, describing the state as a "blueprint for a resilient and self-reliant India".
His remarks came in response to a post by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on X, where she highlighted Meghalaya progress following her four-day visit to the state from July 10 to 13.
"Union Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman highlights Meghalaya's remarkable transformation driven by tourism, youth empowerment, women-led SHGs, initiatives like the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Vibrant Village Programme and more. With strong government support and vibrant community spirit, the state stands as a blueprint for a resilient and self-reliant India," the Prime Minister's Office posted on X on Sunday.
In an article published in a national daily, Sitharaman lauded the state's inclusive and sustainable development initiatives, noting the role of community participation, youth engagement, and women's empowerment in driving change.
"Throughout this journey, I was moved by the determination, optimism, and harmony with nature that define the people of Meghalaya. With government support and community spirit aligned, Meghalaya today offers a blueprint for a vibrant, confident, and self-reliant India. Till next time, Khublei Shibun and Mithela Meghalaya!" she wrote.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, whose government has targeted to increase the state's economy USD 1 billion by 2028, reposted the tweets.

Police uncover chilling murder plot in Meghalaya involving Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. Wife Sonam and boyfriend Raj among five arrested in a staged disappearance plan.

Meghalaya Honeymoon murder: Raj Kushwaha mastermind, Sonam co-conspirator, say Police

Police uncover chilling murder plot in Meghalaya involving Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. Wife Sonam and boyfriend Raj among five arrested in a staged disappearance plan.

The killers of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi had a plan to murder any random woman and burn her body to pass it as that of his wife Sonam so that she would be able to be in hiding for a few more days till the truth is known, a senior police officer of Meghalaya said here on Thursday.
The police also found out that Raj Kushwaha, boyfriend of Sonam, was the mastermind in the murder plot and she is the co-conspirator.
On the first day of interrogation of Sonam, her suspected boyfriend Raj and three others, who were arrested in connection with the killing of the Indore-based businessman, also revealed that she fled from Meghalaya in a burqa and reached the Madhya Pradesh city using various modes of transport like taxi, bus and train.
The conspiracy to eliminate Raja was hatched in Indore, shortly before his wedding with Sonam on May 11, and the mastermind is Raja while the woman had agreed to the plot, East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told PTI.
A few days after the wedding, Raja (29) and Sonam (24) had come to picturesque Sohra in Meghalaya&rsquo;s East Khasi Hills district and went missing on May 23. His body was found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2, while a search continued for Sonam She emerged in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away, in the early hours of June 9 and surrendered. Police have also arrested her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha and three others &ndash; Vishal, Akash and Anand - who, till now, were suspected to have been contract killers.
&ldquo;The three young people were friends and one of them is a cousin of Raj. It was not a typical contract killing. Yes, the plan was to kill and they did it as a favour to their friend Raj,&rdquo; Syiem said.
Raj had given them Rs 50,000 for the expenditures, he said.
The planning started in February in Indore and they had thought of ways about how Sonam would disappear after the killing of Raja.
&ldquo;One plan was to make people believe that she would wash away by a river. Another plan was to murder some random woman, put her in a two-wheeler, burn the body and claim that it is of Sonam. However, none of the plans fructify,&rdquo; the police officer said.
The group had come a few days before the newly-wed couple reached Assam on May 19 and they had initially planned to eliminate Raja somewhere in Guwahati.
As that did not work for some reason, Sonam planned to go to Shillong and Sohra and according to understanding, all met at Nongriat.
Syiem said they started together for Weisawdong Falls, and there all three hit Raja with a machete they bought in Assam and killed him in front of Sonam between 2 pm and 2.18 pm before throwing the body in a gorge.
Sonam gave the raincoat she was wearing to Akash as his shirt had a blood spot. They left Weisawdong in scooters and Akash threw the raincoat later as it too had blood stains. They also abandoned the two-wheeler hired by Sonam and Raja at a place, the SP said.
The police recovered the raincoat and the two-wheeler when Sonam was thought to have been missing.
&ldquo;Raj had given Vishal a burqa which he has handed over to Sonam. She wore it, went to Police Bazaar and took a taxi to Guwahati. From Guwahati, she reached Siliguri (in West Bengal) on a bus. From there, she took buses to go to Patna and Arah and boarded a train for Lucknow. From Lucknow, Sonam took a bus and reached Indore,&rdquo; he said.
In the meantime, Meghalaya media interviewed a tour guide who said he had seen Sonam and Raja with three people. Raj told Sonam to leave Indore and emerge somewhere in Siliguri and claim herself as a victim of abduction.
But on June 8, when Sonam had left Indore, two police teams from Meghalaya reached UP and Madhya Pradesh in civil dress.
&ldquo;When the first arrest (Akash) was made in UP, Raj panicked and told Sonam wherever she is, call up her family and tell them she just escaped from an abduction gang. That's how this whole thing came to light in Ghazipur,&rdquo; Syiem said.
They had thought that Raja's body would not be discovered as it was remote and the police enquiry would take one to two months. So she thought of playing the victim card.
&ldquo;We are recording their statements. We are questioning them. Once we got a clear picture - as the accused have kept separately- we will gather evidence and reconstruct the crime scene,&rdquo; Syiem said.
The officer said he is confident that the police are confident to file a charge sheet in the case within the mandatory 90 days.
All five were remanded to eight days of police custody on Wednesday.
Deputy Inspector General of Police DNR Marak told PTI that the SIT conducting the probe into the murder is seeking assistance from the Police in Assam and other states to link all evidence in the case.
According to him, the police are verifying if any of them had made a recce of Sohra and the jungles of Nongriat before.&nbsp;

A mangalsutra found in a suitcase led police to crack the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case after a newlywed husband was found dead and his wife surrendered days later.

Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder: 'Mangalsutra' clue helped crack the case, says Police

A mangalsutra found in a suitcase led police to crack the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case after a newlywed husband was found dead and his wife surrendered days later.

Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife Sonam had left their suitcase at a homestay in Sohra before going missing, and the 'mangalsutra' and a ring found in it helped investigators crack the honeymoon murder case, Meghalaya DGP, I Nongrang, said.
Sonam (25) and Raja (29) got married in Indore on May 11 and reached Meghalaya via Guwahati in Assam on May 20 for their honeymoon. Both of them went missing on May 23 in Sohra in East Khasi Hills district, hours after checking out of a homestay at Nongriat village.
"We recovered Sonam's 'mangalsutra' and a ring from the suitcase the couple abandoned at a homestay in Sohra. A married woman leaving behind the ornaments gave us a clue to pursue her as a suspect in the case," Nongrang told PTI on Wednesday evening.
'Mangalsutra' is a necklace worn by married Hindu women.
Raja's body was found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2. A search continued for Sonam, who emerged in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away, in the early hours of June 9 and surrendered. Police have also arrested her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha and three contract killers.
The couple walked into the homestay in Sohra on May 22 without any prior booking, another police officer, who is part of the investigation, told PTI.
They did not get a room there, and thus, decided to keep their suitcase at the homestay, as it would have been difficult to trek over 3,000 steps with it to the Nongriat village to see the double-decker root bridge, he said.
While their suitcase remained at the Sohra homestay, they spent the night at another homestay in Nongriat before checking out early on May 23. They trekked back to Sohra, took their scooter from the parking and went to Weisawdong Falls, where Raja was allegedly killed by the three contract killers in front of his wife, he added.
PTI had on Saturday reported that a tour guide had seen the couple with three Hindi-speaking men while they were climbing back to Sohra from Nongriat.
"The accused persons have admitted to the crime, and with all the evidence, there is no room to deny," the police officer said.
A court in Shillong has sent Sonam, her boyfriend and the three hitmen to eight days of police custody.&nbsp;

Mayor of Indore expresses regret over the potential impact on Meghalaya's tourism following the swift resolution of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi's murder.

Indore Mayor Regrets Impact on Meghalayas Tourism

Indore Mayor regrets any negative impact on Meghalaya's tourism due to a businessman's murder. Praises Meghalaya Police for prompt action, assuring safety.

Indore's Mayor regrets potential impact on Meghalaya's tourism after businessman&rsquo;s murder was resolved swiftly by the Meghalaya Police.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on Wednesday said if local people's strong reactions over the murder of businessman Raja Raghuvanshi in Meghalaya has affected the north-eastern state's image or its tourism, then he expresses regret over it.
The mayor also said Raghuvanshi's murder is unfortunate and asserted that tourists are safe in the north-east.
According to the Meghalaya Police, Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi's wife Sonam (25) was allegedly involved in the conspiracy to murder him with her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha (20). The duo had hired three killers to execute the plan.
Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and his wife Sonam got married here on May 11. They went missing during their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 23.
Raghuvanshi's body was found in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra area (also known as Cherrapunji) of East Khasi Hills district on June 2.
Sonam and her aides were arrested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh recently for their alleged role in conspiring and killing Raghuvanshi.
After the disappearance of the newly married couple, many people in Indore reacted sharply, questioning the investigation of the Meghalaya Police and the safety of tourists in the north-eastern state.
Referring to the reactions, Mayor Bhargava told PTI, "If for any reason the image or tourism of Meghalaya or any other area of the north-east has been affected, then I express regret over it." He said the Meghalaya Police acted promptly and solved the murder case within a few days for which he is grateful to them.
"I myself have lived in the north-east for some time and believe tourism is safe there. We all should take care that tourism in Meghalaya is not affected in any way," he said.
Raja Raghuvanshi's murder is unfortunate and it should not be linked to any particular place, the mayor said.
"This incident is a matter of introspection for us. We will communicate with the local people through various programmes so that they stay away from blindly following the western culture and such incidents do not occur in future."

Govind Raghuvanshi supports his brother-in-law's family after the tragic murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, allegedly orchestrated by his sister Sonam in Meghalaya, revealing a tale of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Indore Husband Murder Family Offers Support

In the wake of Raja Raghuvanshi's tragic murder, allegedly linked to his wife Sonam, Govind Raghuvanshi rallies for justice. The narrative unveils heartfelt familial loyalty amidst accusations of deceit and romance entanglements in Indore.

Govind Raghuvanshi, brother of accused Sonam, supports Raja Raghuvanshi's family after his murder in Meghalaya.

The brother of Sonam Raghuvanshi, who is among the five arrested for the murder of her Indore-based husband Raja Raghuvanshi, on Wednesday came out in support of the victim's family and vowed to fight a legal battle to get justice for them.
An emotional Govind Raghuvanshi, Sonam's brother, reached Raja Raghuvanshi's house here to console his family members. Sharing the family's grief, he hugged Raja's mother Uma and broke down.
Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and Sonam got married here on May 11. They went missing during their honeymoon trip to Meghalaya on May 23. Raja's body was found in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra area (also known as Cherrapunji) of East Khasi Hills district on June 2.
Sonam, who was initially reported missing in Meghalaya, surfaced in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur on Sunday night where she surrendered after her alleged accomplices Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi were arrested for their alleged role in conspiring and killing Raghuvanshi. Raj Singh Kushwaha (21), the alleged conspirator, was arrested later.
Talking to reporters during his visit to Raja Raghuvanshi's house, Govind said, "I have announced that I am with Raja's family and will fight a legal battle to get him justice." He said he does not know whether his sister Sonam has admitted her crime or not.
"I met Sonam only for two minutes when she was in the custody of the Meghalaya police. I could not talk to her much. She did not confess her crime in front of me," he added.
When asked about Raj Kushwaha's role in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, he said, ''Raj was just our employee." Accused Sonam's maternal home is located in Indore's Govind Nagar Kharcha area. She handled the family business of lamination sheets used in furniture.
According to the local police, Raj Kushwaha, who was reportedly romantically involved with Sonam and accused of plotting the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi, is a 12th dropout and worked as an accountant at the lamination sheet unit owned by Sonam's family.

Meghalaya Police’s SIT arrests Sonam Raghuvanshi and four others in the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi; crime scene reconstruction planned in Sohra.

Meghalaya honeymoon horror: Police to reconstruct crime scene with deceased's arrested wife, aides

Meghalaya Police&rsquo;s SIT arrests Sonam Raghuvanshi and four others in the murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi; crime scene reconstruction planned in Sohra.

A special investigation team of the Meghalaya Police brought here around midnight arrested Sonam Raghuvanshi, one of the five accused in the murder of her Indore-based businessman husband Raja Raghuvanshi, and would reconstruct the crime scene in Sohra, a senior officer said on Wednesday.
The four others, who were also arrested from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder, were also taken to Shillong during the day and would be produced before a local court, he said.
Sonam was taken to a hospital here for a medical examination and will be produced before a court during the day as the SIT will seek her police custody to complete the investigation, he said.
"The SIT that brought Sonam arrived here shortly before midnight. She was taken to a hospital here around 2 am to ascertain whether she was pregnant or not. She had undergone three tests. Sonam will be produced before a court here," a senior police officer told PTI.
East Khasi Hills district SP Vivek Syiem confirmed that the results of the tests were negative.
"The four other accused persons- Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan and Anand Kuli - have also been brought here on transit remand on Wednesday," the officer said.
The SIT will seek "police custody of all the arrested persons, and will reconstruct the crime scene in Sohra", he said.
The Meghalaya Police, which codenamed the investigation as 'Operation Honeymoon', collected evidence from the residences and other places frequented by the accused in Indore and Ghazipur, Syiem said.
Sonam and her aides were arrested from Indore in Madhya Pradesh and Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh for their alleged role in conspiring and killing Raja Raghuvanshi last month.
The SIT has secured a six-day remand for the accused persons from Indore and that of three days for one arrested from Ghazipur, he added.
Raghuvanshi and his wife went missing while vacationing in Meghalaya's Sohra area on May 23. His body was found in a gorge on June 2.&nbsp;

A video of Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangam playing 'Wasted Years' by Iron Maiden at a cafe in Tura went viral on social media. He had posted it on Instagram on Wednesday.

Meghalaya CM plays guitar, wows fans

A video of Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangam playing 'Wasted Years' by Iron Maiden at a cafe in Tura went viral on social media. He had posted it on Instagram on Wednesday.

Social media was abuzz after a video of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma strumming the guitar to Iron Maiden's 'Wasted Years' surfaced. He had posted the video on his Instagram handle on Wednesday.
Sangma was performing at a cafe in Tura as part of his rock band reunion, officials said.
'Saga' band members of which the CM himself was once an active member during their college days in Delhi had organised the reunion at the Roof Top Cafe in Tura on December 26.
The chief minister belted several numbers from Iron Maiden and others to relive their college days, officials said.
"Another rocking night ... iron maiden this time...," Sangma posted on his social media account.
The video gathered over 15,000 views and several of his fans and close friends commented.
'Wasted Years' was the 14th single released by English heavy metal band Iron Maiden and the first from their 'Somewhere in Time' album released in 1986.&nbsp;

27 Meghalaya pilgrims stuck in war-hit Israel made it to Egypt.

27 Meghalaya tourists stranded in Israel, including MP WR Kharlukhi, reach Egypt

27 Meghalaya pilgrims stuck in war-hit Israel made it to Egypt.

A group of 27 people from Meghalaya who were stuck in war-hit Israel have managed to reach Egypt. Rajya Sabha MP and NPP chief WR Kharlukhi, his wife and daughter were among the 27 who escaped the warzone.
The group had embarked on a holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem when they were caught in the crossfire.
In a post, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma credited the foreign ministry and the Indian mission for the safe passage of the tourists.
The latest conflict between Israel and Hamas started on October 7 following missile strikes by the Gaza-based militant group.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/us-sends-ships-warplanes-in-support-of-israel-s-war-against-hamas-1696817878181">US sends ships, warplanes in support of Israel's war against Hamas</a>

Visuals from the spot showed injured security personnel lying on the floor as the CM tended to them.

Mob attacks at Meghalaya CM office, security officers injured: report

Mob attacks Meghalaya CM office, security officers injured: report

Visuals from the spot showed injured security personnel lying on the floor as the CM tended to them.

A mob surrounded Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma's office in Tura on July 24 and pelted stones leaving five security personnel injured, as per NDTV.
As per the outlet, CM Sangma narrowly escaped the attack and is unharmed. However, he is still inside his office in Tura.&nbsp;
The attack took place when protesting people from Garo Hills-based civil society groups gathered outside the office for a discussion with the CM.&nbsp;
However, as the discussion was still on, some people started hurling stones hitting the security personnel who were deployed outside. They got injured before they could run for cover.&nbsp;
Visuals from the spot showed injured security personnel lying on the floor as the CM tended to them.
Garo Hills-based civil society groups have been on a hunger strike demanding a winter capital in Tura.
&nbsp;

Pynthymme Pale made his customised electric guitar from wood

Meet the Meghalaya boy who made his own electric guitar from wood.&nbsp;Pynthymme Pale made his customised electric guitar from wood

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