SHILLONG, May 14: In response to the Jaintia Students’ Union’s (JSU) recent demand to declare Jowai as the ‘Summer Capital’ of Meghalaya, NPP MLA from Jowai, Wailadmiki Shylla, on Wednesday said there is no reason to oppose the idea if it is both feasible and practical.
“If it is possible and viable, then why not?” Shylla told reporters, while noting that the final decision rests with the government.
Though he refrained from making a detailed statement, Shylla welcomed the suggestion. “I would be very happy if it turns out to be viable,” he said.
When asked whether he would formally take up the matter with the government, the legislator indicated that the idea is still in its early stages.
“I have to listen to the views of the public. There are a few NGOs who have raised this demand, so it’s too early. I will discuss the matter and meet with other NGOs and associations. Later, if there is consensus, I will definitely pursue it with the government,” he added.
The proposal to make Jowai the Summer Capital comes even as the state continues to deliberate on a long-pending demand to declare Tura as Meghalaya’s winter capital. An all-party committee has already been formed to examine that proposal.
The idea of having dual capitals — Tura for winter and potentially Jowai for summer — has been gaining momentum among civil society groups and political leaders from the Garo and Jaintia regions, as part of a larger push for administrative decentralisation and regional representation.
