By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 4: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) has submitted a memorandum to Governor CH Vijayashankar, urging the state and central governments to declare Jowai as the summer capital of Meghalaya, implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP), and revisit the Instrument of Accession to safeguard tribal rights.
JSU education secretary, Bocheru Mi Pohsnem, believes that elevating Jowai as the summer capital would ensure equitable development and representation for the Jaintia Hills region, complementing ongoing discussions on declaring Tura as the winter capital by the 2025 All-Party Committee.
The union’s president, J. Shylla, emphasised the historical legacy of the demand, citing the Jaintia kings’ tradition of maintaining Nartiang as their summer capital and Jaintiapur as their winter capital.
The union also called for the urgent implementation of the ILP in Meghalaya, citing the state Assembly’s 2019 resolution but lack of action from the Centre.
The union also called for a review of the Instrument of Accession (1947-48) to reinforce Sixth Schedule protections, stating that the region’s chieftainships should still be fully covered under its safeguards.
The union urged the Governor to address these issues with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and the Centre, while expressing hope for further engagement on their demands.
