Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla on Tuesday said a discussion on the demand to make Jowai the ‘summer capital’ is viable but depends on the State government to take a call.
The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has pitched for the area being home to the ‘summer capital’ in the wake of a demand for Tura to be named the winter capital of Meghalaya.
According to the union, with the longstanding underdevelopment and infrastructure challenges faced by the people of Jaintia Hills, granting Jowai the status of summer capital would promote balanced regional growth and ensure fair representation.
“I have to listen to the views of the public, and there are a few NGOs who have come up with this demand, so it’s too early. I will discuss and meet with other NGOs and associations, and later, if everyone is in favour, then why not—I will pursue it with the government,” the Jowai MLA said.
At present, discussions on making Tura as the ‘winter capital’ are ongoing by a constituted all party committee. Civil society groups and political leaders in Garo Hills have been constantly pushing the demand forward.
