From Our Correspondent
TURA, Nov 8: The A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM) has reiterated its demand for Tura to be declared the Winter Capital of Meghalaya while countering the recent statement made by Speaker Thomas A. Sangma about holding partial Assembly sessions in various parts of the state.
The Speaker had maintained that despite such sessions, Shillong would continue to remain the official seat of the Assembly.
The group criticised the move as “half-hearted” and “tokenism”, while arguing that it does not align with the aspirations of the people of Garo Hills.
“The Speaker’s remarks undermine the vision of Meghalaya’s foundation. The state was founded on the ideals of unity, inclusivity and balanced growth between the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo regions. To imply that Shillong must forever remain the central seat of power perpetuates administrative dominance and regional imbalance, which have been the root cause of Garo Hills’ neglect for over five decades,” said AHAM president, Georgeprince Momin, calling the remark disheartening.
AHAM asserted that Tura deserves more than symbolic sessions and must be made the official Winter Capital of the state.
“The proposed Additional Secretariat Building in Tura remains unconstructed till now (its foundation stone has been laid this morning, November 8). We do not want token Assembly sessions or empty assurances. We demand constitutional recognition through the establishment of Tura as the Winter Capital of Meghalaya—with full administrative functions, offices and legislative sittings during the winter period,” he added.
Referring to states that have successfully implemented the two-capital system, AHAM maintained that the same approach is justified for Meghalaya to ensure balanced governance and accessibility.
“We are increasingly frustrated by the persistent step-motherly treatment meted out by successive governments. Most major projects in the region—from roads to hospitals, schools to government offices—are either stalled or incomplete. The faith of the people is being tested,” asserted Momin.
Criticising the Speaker’s statement that Shillong would remain the sole centre of power, AHAM urged leaders to prioritise the aspirations of the people of Garo Hills.
“The Garo Hills need leaders who speak with conviction, not caution—leaders who dare to demand justice, not just accept the status quo,” said Momin.
AHAM further demanded that Tura be officially declared the Winter Capital and that work on the Additional Secretariat begin immediately, along with the holding of full Assembly sessions in Tura.
“If the Government of Meghalaya continues to sideline Garo Hills in administrative and developmental affairs, it will only deepen the divide and breed resentment among the people. The government must remember that unity cannot exist without equality, and equality cannot exist without shared governance,” added Momin.
