India, Nov. 27 -- For the first time in Meghalaya's history, the state Cabinet convened an outdoor meeting at Ward's Lake on Wednesday, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.

The session lasted nearly four hours and discussed 16 key agenda items.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the decision to hold the meeting at Ward's Lake was both symbolic and timely. "This is the same venue where we hosted the Japanese Arena during the Cherry Blossom Festival, which continued into the Shillong Literary Fest and will extend to other cultural events in the coming weeks," he said.

"As we approach the Christmas and New Year season, it was appropriate to hold the Cabinet meeting here to experience the festival atmosphere and involve the Cabinet ...