The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Meghalaya to highlight six demands, including making Tura the winter capital of Meghalaya.
ACHIK said a winter capital would not only decentralise administrative concentration but also rectify decades of asymmetric development and political alienation in the Garo Hills region.
The organisation said that the rotational operation of the Secretariat and Legislature between Shillong and Tura would enhance governance visibility, facilitate participatory administration, and resonate with practices in other federal units.
The ACHIK leaders also highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Tura, citing the 1972 agreement that envisioned Tura as the Winter Capital, alongside Shillong as the Summer Capital.
ACHIK memorandum stressed on the practical benefits of establishing a winter capital for decentralisation of governance, improved access to vital services for residents, faster response times and better monitoring of developmental projects, promotion of cultural integration and recognition of Garo identity, economic growth and employment opportunities.
ACHIK has further appealed to the Governor to recommend to the state government to begin the process of declaring Tura as the winter capital and to establish a consultative body to oversee implementation.
