The Achik State People’s Front (ASPF) held a public meeting aimed at advocating for the long-cherished demand for the establishment of a Winter Capital in Tura.
The third public meeting was held today at Baghmara, South Garo Hills was to mobilise public support and to put pressure on the State government to prioritise the demand.
It may be mentioned that a resolution advocating for the winter capital was introduced in the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly. The resolution did not receive support from members of the House, including from MLAs from Garo Hills but Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced the formation of a committee to examine the long-standing demand.
The public meeting was attended by community leaders, Nokma, representatives from NGOs, social activists, and senior citizens.
Social activist Greneth Sangma said establishment of a Winter Capital is a fundamental right. He expressed concern regarding the neglect of this right by the Meghalaya government for over 50 years, despite the commitments made by the state’s founders and forefathers.
ASPF Secretary Bernita Marak thanked the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for constituting a committee and opposition leader Dr Mukul Sangma for introducing a “historic resolution” in the Assembly supporting the initiative. She urged all representatives from the Garo community to maintain unity in the pursuit of the long-awaited aspirations of the Garo Hills.
Garoland State Movement Committee acting chairman Balkarin Ch Marak highlighted the community’s responsibility to advocate for what has been agreed upon by their forefathers regarding the Winter Capital. He urged the public to take part in the movement until their objectives are realised.
