Shillong: Union Home Minister Amit Shah touches down in Shillong for a two-day visit starting October 4. He will present the President’s Colour to the Meghalaya Police on October 5 at the JN Stadium in Polo. The award celebrates the force for its professional standards, public service, and dedication to maintaining order across the state.
District Magistrate Abhilash Baranwal banned all drones within a three-kilometre radius of the stadium from October 2 to 5. This restriction remains active under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to protect the visiting dignitaries. Authorities filed the order ex parte due to the event's high security requirements.
The Ministry of Home Affairs chose to honor the Meghalaya Police for their work fighting crime and militancy. The force also garnered praise for disaster management and building specialized units like the Anti-Terror Squad and the Cyber Crime branch. Back in April, officials stated the award reflects the "sustained dedication, courage and professionalism of its personnel."
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong will join the event. Director General of Police Idashisha Nongrang plans to address the assembly as well. This honor follows similar awards presented by the Home Minister to police departments in Goa and Puducherry earlier this year.
Updated at 1st October 2026 at 9:52pm
Security measures are extending well beyond the capital. The Ri Bhoi district administration has locked down its airspace, declaring no-fly zones around Umroi Airport, helipads, and transit corridors. The ban covers everything from drones and paragliders to toy aircraft. These restrictions start at 6 am on October 4 and hold until 10 pm on October 5, or until Shah departs the district. Violators face prosecution under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Aircraft Act.
Police are rolling out an aggressive security and traffic plan to manage the high-profile visit. Around 1,500 personnel will be on the ground throughout the state to keep things moving. Traffic officials are readying advisories for commuters, warning of diversions and road closures along the Home Minister's route. While the DGP confirmed these preparations, he stressed that the focus remains on keeping public roads clear despite the massive security footprint.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 9:47am
Beyond the ceremony, local politics are heating up. Senior BJP leader A.L. Hek confirmed that the party plans to bring up the recent expansion of its legislative wing with the Home Minister. The party jumped from two to 10 seats after eight legislators defected from the UDP last month, altering the power balance within the ruling coalition. Hek stated, "That also we will discuss with Amit Shah during his visit, if we get the opportunity."
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma maintains that the coalition remains stable and has downplayed talk of a cabinet shakeup. Despite the shifting arithmetic in the assembly, the Chief Minister insists the BJP has made no formal demands for extra ministry slots. This visit provides the first face to face opportunity for the party to test that stance with the central leadership.
Updated at 2nd October 2026 at 1:49pm
Law enforcement is tightening the net with 15 companies of security personnel set to hit the streets. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem confirmed the deployment while noting the ceremony at JN Stadium will pull in a crowd of VDP members, students, and other invited stakeholders.
Police brass claim the operation balances high-level protection with public flow. Syiem pledged that motorcades will only freeze traffic for the absolute minimum time required to satisfy security protocols. Officers are being drilled on tight communication to keep bottlenecks at a minimum while the minister is in motion.
Updated at 3rd October 2026 at 1:48am
The BJP’s sudden growth to 10 seats is fueling talk of a major power grab within the coalition. Insiders say the party is pushing for three cabinet slots, a Deputy Chief Minister post, and control of key portfolios. Specifically, the new faction is eyeing the Finance, Home, and Urban Affairs ministries. There is also chatter about ousting current Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh, a move reportedly gaining more traction than other demands.
BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang dismissed claims that the party aims to split the NPP, insisting their focus remains on development. Meanwhile, the Congress is taking shots at the BJP’s strategy. Leader Manuel Badwar called the growth inorganic, comparing it to the failed expansion of the TMC in the state. He labeled the BJP’s demand for changes to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act a whitewash and questioned whether the party can deliver on its promises before the 2028 elections.
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