The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) has slammed MLAs from the Garo Hills region for rejecting a resolution introduced in the ongoing budget session of the Assembly for a winter capital in Tura.
Terming the rejection as a “betrayal” to the mandate of the Garo people ACHIK said, “This is not just a political failure but a direct attack on the legitimate aspirations and rights of the people of Garo Hills.”
Stating that the demand for a winter capital is not an unreasonable or new demand but a rightful call for administrative decentralization and equitable governance in Meghalaya, the group said by rejecting the motion, the MLAs instead of standing for regional equity and justice, they have chosen to prioritize their political alliances and personal gains over the welfare of Garo Hills.
ACHIK said the MLAs have not only surrendered to political pressure but have aligned with forces that continue to treat Garo Hills as a secondary region in Meghalaya and violated the trust of the people.
“ACHIK refuses to let this betrayal go unnoticed. We will publicly expose the names of the MLAs who voted against the motion and demand an explanation from them, mobilise the people for justice by organising protest and awareness campaigns and explore legal and Constitutional measures and ensure decentralisation of governance in Meghalaya,” it said.
It said the MLAs who have voted against their own people will face the consequences in the next elections. “We urge the people of Garo Hills to remember this betrayal and reject such leaders in the future,” ACHIK added.
Further, the groups said the fight for a winter capital is not over and urged the community to unite, question, and hold accountable those who have failed them.
Yesterday, opposition leader Dr Mukul Sangma introduced a resolution advocating for the winter capital. In presenting the resolution, Dr Sangma argued that if cabinet meetings can be held in various parts of the state, as has been the recent policy of the government, it should not be difficult to designate Tura as the winter capital. He highlighted the initiatives launched by successive state governments aimed at fostering closer connections between the people and the government, which have contributed to the state’s progress and prosperity.
However, the resolution did not receive support from members of the House, including from MLAs from Garo Hills. As a result, Dr Sangma withdrew the resolution.
Later, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the formation of a committee to examine the long-standing demand.
The committee will be constituted with the involvement of all party leaders, as well as various stakeholders. There will be extensive consultations with the community, different NGOs and organisations to determine the best way forward.
