The aim to see Tura named winter capital of Meghalaya is a genuine demand and had been included in the charter of demands before the ANVC-B signed a peace deal with the central and state governments.
This was stated by Tura MDC Bernard N Marak, who was formerly a leader of the ANVC-B. He said this today on the occasion of Garo Labour Corps Day.
“Before the historic peace pact was signed, the winter capital was one of the priority lists in the charter of demands placed before the central government 12 years ago,” Marak said. “A winter capital was promised to the people of Garo Hills 50 years ago during the statehood movement but left halfway by the former leaders, which was later taken up before signing the peace pact.”
Stating that Meghalaya failed to hold periodic review meetings on the pretext of the Covid-19 lockdown and many of the genuine demands for upgradation and development were hijacked by the state, Marak said that the implementation of the tripartite peace agreement did not go as expected due to negligence of the state.
“The roads, infrastructure and many developments happening around the state are due to the tripartite agreement, which the state government took credit for while the leaders who signed the agreement are left hung high and dry,” he said, adding that the civil society groups demanding for a winter capital in Tura are genuine and the CM should initiate the creation of a second capital.
Now a Bharatiya Janata Party member, Marak said that the BJP has honoured the aspirations of the Garos during the statehood movement.
“Many sacrificed their lives for a better tomorrow for their children and to secure the land, culture, tradition, language, etc. The BJP included a mini secretariat in its manifesto during the (recent) election as one of the top-most agenda and wanted to initiate implementation of the promises made to the people of the state in general,” the MDC said. “It’s ironic that today is Labour Corps Day where Garos sacrificed their lives in France fighting for their Emperor but few remember the martyrs. The present movement and the sacrifices made by individuals should not go in vain,” he added.
