From Our Correspondent
TURA, Sep 15: The demand for the creation of Tura as the winter capital was renewed on Monday with the A•chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
“We once again draw your attention to the long-standing aspiration of the people of Garo Hills and the western part of Meghalaya to declare Tura as the Winter Capital of Meghalaya. This demand is not merely a political or administrative request, but a deeply rooted aspiration tied to equitable development of the state, the vision of our pioneers, and the collective desire for balanced governance,” the organisation stated.
AHAM argued that Tura should be made the winter capital as it reflects people’s aspirations, ensures equitable development, provides administrative balance, and leverages the town’s geographical and strategic importance, along with its potential for infrastructure growth.
The organisation also sought sanction of at least Rs 600 crore for the development of the Additional Secretariat at Tura. “Since Rs 1,200 crore has already been sanctioned for the Shillong Main Secretariat, it is both just and equitable that a substantial portion of this amount be allocated for Tura to ensure parity and fairness,” the memorandum read.
Casting aspersions on the state government’s move to form a feasibility study committee during the last Summer Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the organisation asserted that the decision ultimately depends on political will.
The AHAM also cited examples of other states with dual capitals such as Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir.
It may be mentioned that this was not the first time AHAM had raised the demand. Memoranda on the issue were earlier submitted in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and again earlier this year.
