The A·chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has reiterated its demand for Tura to be declared the ‘Winter Capital’ of the State and petitioned the Chief Minister to consider the move.
On February 8, AHAM had initiated its first phase of protests in the form of a signature campaign in the Garo Hills and reminded the government that the fathers of ‘our state while carving out the statehood was of the idea of having two sessions for Meghalaya- the Winter capital in Tura and the Summer capital in Shillong’.
Stating that the State has seen progress in all sectors since it was carved out AHAM said despite this, the existence of backwardness especially in the case of Garo Hills cannot be denied with most of the interior parts remain inaccessible for most part of the months in a year. “This calls for the judicious introduction of decentralization and devolution of power as a part of good governance which can be achieved by instituting a Winter Capital in Tura for six months from October to March and Summer Capital in Shillong from April to September,” AHAM president Georgeprince Ch Momin suggested.
He said that the people of Garo Hills especially from the interiors face much inconvenience in visiting State capital Shillong. “Logistics of distance, travel, time, energy and expenditure has already given a way to the injustice for the people of Garo Hills,” he added.
Considering the extremes of weather in different parts of the state, AHAM stated that the summer capital Shillong, all throughout the year remains cold and wet with the extremes during the winter affecting the official works of the state. Hence, the establishment of Winter Capital in Tura would ease the government officials to conduct their official work as the weather in Tura is suitable in winter comparatively to Shillong in winter, the organisation said.
The AHAM further said the winter capital will create opportunities and employment for the people and a “tall example of decentralization of administration.”
Moreover the organisation also urged the Chief Minister for the construction and completion of Governor House in Tura stating that the establishment of the winter capital in Tura would just be a futile exercise without it.
