Shillong: Shillong marked a major milestone on Tuesday. A total of 239 recruits officially joined the Civil Defence and Home Guards Department after finishing a grueling nine-month training program. They took their oaths at the Mawdiangdiang complex during a formal passing-out parade. Civil Defence and Home Guards Minister Brening A Sangma reviewed the troops. He urged the new graduates to focus on duty and dedication, noting that their work as first-responders remains vital during accidents and disasters.
Training began on November 22 last year at the Shillong and Jowai centers. Recruits spent months mastering high-rise rescue, weapons handling, jungle tactics, and emergency medical response. They also joined monthly community cleanup efforts. Commissioner and Secretary Vijay Kumar Mantri praised the graduates. He noted, "The trainees displayed discipline, endurance and resilience during the parade despite intermittent rainfall."
Leadership also revealed structural changes for the force. The state will convert 708 permanent Border Wing Home Guards posts into two State Disaster Response Force battalions. This shift brings the border units back to their semi-voluntary roots. Furthermore, the Meghalaya Secretariat Home Guards will now operate as the Meghalaya Industrial Security Force. Officials say this change creates a more professional security arm for government offices and critical infrastructure.
Awards were handed out to top performers during the ceremony. Fourbornson Wahlang took home the overall top honor for the Shillong cohort, while Kamnibait Phyllei led the Jowai group. The event concluded with an unarmed combat display and a cultural show for families and senior police officials in attendance.
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