The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) launched a campaign to make Tura the ‘winter capital’ of Meghalaya at a programme held yesterday in North Garo Hills.
The campaign is aimed at enhancing public awareness about the importance and advantages associated with designating Tura as a second state capital. The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) collaborated with the ASPF in the programme, a press release stated today, and numerous headmen and religious leaders participated.
ASPF secretary Bernita Marak maintained that the winter capital demand is not a new one, rather it was part of an oral agreement made when Meghalaya was founded in the 1970s but has still not been fulfilled.
The ASPF has been raising this concern repeatedly and recently submitted a joint memorandum with the GSMC to reiterate our demand to the Chief Minister.
The argument of the ASPF is that there is a marked disparity in the development levels between Tura and Shillong and the financial burden of travelling from Garo Hills to Shillong for official work prevents many residents from accessing essential services.
During the meeting it was resolved to mobilise awareness programmes throughout Garo Hills with the commitment of the headmen. Elected representatives will also be urged to advocate for this issue during Assembly sessions.
