Jowai court issues proclamation for absconding POCSO accused
JOWAI, March 3: The Court of the Special Judge (POCSO), Jowai, has issued a proclamation requiring the appearance of Lambun Sungoh in connection with a special POCSO case. Sungoh, 52, a resident of Khliehrangnah village in West Jaintia Hills District, has been absconding for a considerable period and has failed to appear before the court to answer the charges against him. Following an order dated February 17, 2026, the court directed that this proclamation be published to notify the accused and compel his appearance. The accused is described as being approximately 5.5 feet tall with a swarthy complexion, an oval face, and black hair. The Superintendent of Police, West Jaintia Hills, has requested anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the accused to immediately inform the nearest police station or contact the Jowai Police Control Room at 9774065467.
Village clashes prompt DC to impose curbs in EJH
KHLIEHRIAT, March 3: East Jaintia Hills District Magistrate Manish Kumar has imposed prohibitory measures under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the disputed areas between Lama and Lakadong Ummat villages following violent clashes over a land dispute. The unrest broke out during a joint measurement survey for the proposed Green Field High Speed Corridor on March 3, 2026. The confrontation resulted in injuries to several persons from Lama Village. Authorities received reports involving the use of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other lethal weapons, including lathis and daos. In the official order, the District Magistrate noted that the possession and use of such weapons endanger life and property. Credible information suggests that unlawful activities are likely to persist and could escalate into a major law and order crisis. To prevent further violence and maintain public peace, the administration has prohibited the assembly of persons and the carrying of lethal substances within the disputed zones of the two villages.
Synjuk flags substandard work on PMGSY roads in Ri-Bhoi
NONGPOH, March 3: The Synjuk Rangbah Shnong of Rud Wah Umpli on Tuesday met Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal to lodge a formal complaint regarding the alleged substandard execution of two key road projects in the district. The complaint pertains to the 38.7-km Umden-Byrnihat road and the 5-km 20 Mer-Umdap road, both sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The Umden-Byrnihat project is being executed by MP Agarwal Company Limited, while the 20 Mer-Umdap stretch is being handled by Sunshine Sawkmie. Speaking after submitting a memorandum, Synjuk Secretary Arul Makri and Umdap Dumu headman Anjelus Maring expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of blacktopping and overall work. They noted that while the community is grateful for the funding of these long-neglected roads, the poor workmanship has raised fears that the stretches will deteriorate quickly. The village leaders urged the Deputy Commissioner to coordinate with the state government for strict monitoring and to conduct on-site inspections to ensure the contractors adhere to prescribed standards.
Jim R Marwein appointed Director of Land Records and Survey
SHILLONG, March 3: The state government on Tuesday appointed Jim R Marwein as the Director of Land Records & Survey following his recent induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). According to a notification issued by the Personnel & Administrative Reforms (A) Department, Marwein was promoted to the IAS (Non-SCS) cadre following a Union Government notification on February 17. He will assume charge effective immediately and will hold the post until further orders. Consequent to this appointment, Mannaliza Lakiang, MCS, who was serving as Joint Secretary in the Revenue & Disaster Management Department with additional charge as Director of Land Records & Survey, has been relieved of her responsibilities as Director. Marwein, who previously served as the Additional Director of Survey, was selected for the IAS after a competitive selection process. The state government had shortlisted five eligible officers for interviews conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The pool of candidates included the Director of Commerce and Industries, the Joint Secretary (Law), the Director of Finance and Accounts, and a senior officer from the Finance Department. Marwein was the successful candidate among the finalists. The appointment is part of the state government’s administrative restructuring aimed at strengthening key departments.
NIFT to host three-day event to promote craft from March 11
SHILLONG, March 3: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong, will host a three-day series of events from March 11 to 13 aimed at supporting the craft ecosystem of Meghalaya and the Northeast. The initiative begins with a two-day Artisan Awareness Workshop on March 11 and 12 at the NIFT campus in Umsawli. The workshop is designed to empower local artisans through sessions on design, branding, and entrepreneurial development to improve their market readiness and sustainability. Alongside the workshop, a Craft Demonstration Programme will feature live presentations by master artisans, highlighting traditional weaving, bamboo, and cane craftsmanship. These demonstrations offer students and visitors an opportunity to learn about indigenous practices firsthand. The events will conclude with Craft Bazaar 2026, to be held on March 12 and 13 at the U Soso Tham Auditorium.
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