ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN INTENSIFIES IN MEGHALAYA, PLAN TO FORM TERRITORIAL ARMY

New Delhi, Aug 21, 2025 : The Meghalaya government has stepped up its crackdown on drugs. The state's Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has seized large quantities of drugs and arrested several people in recent weeks. Last week alone, drugs worth more than Rs 4 crore were seized and several smugglers were detained, officials said on Wednesday. The government has announced cash rewards and certificates for ANTF personnel involved in these successful operations.

From August 2024 till now, detention orders have been issued under Section 31 of the PIT-NDPS Act against five people who have been repeatedly caught in the drug trade. These accused include Pinhoi Nongtdu of Thadlasken, Hubert Lamphrung Dkhar of Mawiong Nongstoin, Marvel Nongbah of Lumpriat Jowai and Rintu G. Sakia alias Pahari. Officials said that the bank accounts of all these accused and their family members have also been frozen.

The government has warned that if any person tries to hide or help the criminals, legal action will be taken against him. Also, if the accused is found involved in illegal activities again, his detention period can be extended.

The state government is moving towards strengthening the security sector, and under this, a proposal is being prepared to create a territorial army for Meghalaya. This proposal will be placed before the cabinet on August 26. Officials said that this new security unit will work closely with the Gram Raksha Dals and support their role.

The BSF (Border Security Force) has recently released an advertisement for 300 Constable (General Duty) posts exclusively for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates from Meghalaya. The government has planned to remove hawkers from the footpaths on the Laitumkhrah-Civil Hospital road in Shillong. These hawkers will be relocated to the Motfran area. This relocation process is targeted to be completed by November. After this, the scheme will be implemented in other parts of the city as well.

The central government has taken an important step to promote tourism in the state of Meghalaya. The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has approved a project at a cost of Rs 220 crore in Sohra. The project will set up an experiential tourism center depicting rural life, giving tourists an experience of local culture and lifestyle. This move will usher in new opportunities in the tourism sector in the state and provide employment opportunities for local communities.