The Shillong Daily

21/08/2026

Inter-state taxi movement between Assam and Meghalaya remained affected on Friday following the violence during Wednesday’s KSU rally in Shillong.

Meghalaya-registered tourist cabs have stayed off inter-state services, while Assam-registered taxis have reportedly faced restrictions while entering Meghalaya.

The disruption emerged after Assam-based transport operators protested against attacks on Assam-registered vehicles during the Shillong unrest. Meghalaya vehicles were subsequently stopped around Jorabat and Khanapara, affecting passengers travelling between the two states.

Meghalaya taxi operators later restricted Assam-registered commercial vehicles from proceeding towards Shillong.

Although authorities have intervened to ease tensions and general traffic movement has resumed in parts of the route, inter-state cab operations remain affected.

Tourists and commuters using the Guwahati-Shillong corridor have consequently faced difficulties arranging transport.

21/08/2026

A video from a programme at Delhi’s Press Club has sparked a wider debate after participants were seen offering prayers before an image of PM Narendra Modi portrayed as a Hindu deity.

The unusual event has also raised questions about how the programme was allowed inside the media venue.

The venue has since clarified its position, saying the programme was not organised by the Press Club and that the booking conditions were violated.

https://theshillongdaily.com/delhi-press-club-modi-chalisa-event-what-happened-and-why-it-sparked-controversy/

21/08/2026

SBI is changing its cash withdrawal rules for Basic Savings Bank Deposit account holders from October 1. The first four cash withdrawals each month will remain free, but the fifth and subsequent withdrawals will cost ₹15 plus GST.

ATM, branch and AePS cash withdrawals will be counted together. The rule does not apply to all SBI savings accounts. Find out who is affected and how the new system works.

https://theshillongdaily.com/sbi-cash-withdrawal-rule-from-october-1-who-pays-%e2%82%b915-who-gets-four-free-withdrawals/

21/08/2026

MUMBAI : State Bank of India will put a ₹15 plus GST charge on cash withdrawals beyond four a month for Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts from

21/08/2026

North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum has asked Assembly Speaker Thomas Sangma to reconsider the rejection of his resolution opposing mandatory singing of Vande Mataram beyond two stanzas.

Nongrum has questioned the grounds on which his resolution was rejected and raised a larger issue over what should be mandatory inside the House.

He has also challenged an interpretation of the recently amended national law and referred to constitutional protections.

Details: https://theshillongdaily.com/adelbert-nongrum-asks-speaker-to-reconsider-rejected-vande-mataram-resolution/

20/08/2026

Meta is facing a major US legal battle over Facebook and Instagram, with four states seeking penalties that Meta says could reach $1.4 trillion.

The figure is not a court-ordered fine, and the states have indicated a much lower calculation. The trial also features testimony from former Meta engineer Arturo Béjar, who has raised questions about the company’s handling of child safety.

The case could bring financial penalties and changes to how Meta’s platforms operate. What led to Meta facing one of its biggest US legal battles?

Details: https://theshillongdaily.com/meta-faces-major-us-lawsuit-over-facebook-and-instagram-child-safety/

20/08/2026

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has condemned the violence during the KSU bike rally, saying the incidents have created fear and harmed the state’s image.

Meghalaya has long been known for its peaceful character and nobody should portray the state as lawless, Dhar said.

Dhar apologised to people who were caught up in the violence and stressed that Meghalaya’s identity is built around peace, respect and discipline.

“What happened was very unfortunate and not good at all,” Dhar said, expressing concern over innocent people being affected.

He also said the government remains willing to hear the concerns raised by the KSU and other pressure groups.

“Our doors are always open, and any issue can be discussed across the table,” Dhar said, while appealing for calm and restraint.

20/08/2026

A petrol bomb was hurled onto the police forces, and police had to respond,” Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said.

SHILLONG : East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said police faced a petrol bomb attack while attempting to arrest individuals at the Khasi

20/08/2026

The KSU’s planned sit-in at Khyndailad will not go ahead with district administration permission after Wednesday’s violence during the black-flag rally.

East Khasi Hills DC Abhilash Baranwal said permission for the sit-in has been revoked following reports of vandalism, arson and assaults across Shillong.

The administration said 16 people were injured during the incidents and received treatment at Civil Hospital, Shillong. Officials will assist anyone requiring further medical care.

A tourism helpline is also being planned for visitors affected by the situation.

https://theshillongdaily.com/east-khasi-hills-administration-withdraws-permission-for-ksu-khyndailad-sit-in/

20/08/2026

Meghalaya will not have scheduled load-shedding for now, Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said, even as intermittent outages continue in some areas.

Lyngdoh said recent disruptions were mainly linked to maintenance work, transformer faults, fallen trees and other local technical problems.

MeECL sometimes has to temporarily shut supply while carrying out repairs or preventive work.

https://theshillongdaily.com/meghalaya-power-cuts-linked-to-maintenance-and-local-faults-says-metbah-lyngdoh/