Shillong: Appeals have been made to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to declare Tura as the state’s winter capital.
In a joint memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC) and the A’chik State People’s Front emphasised that such a move would not only fulfill the long-standing demands of the A’chik community but also enhance the state’s administrative framework.
The GSMC drew attention to a similar announcement by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the Republic Day celebrations, in which he declared Tezpur would serve as the new Raj Bhawan, while Silchar would host a mini-secretariat and the office of the Chief Secretary.
The GSMC pointed out that this move aligns with the growing trend in India of states creating distinct locations for administrative and executive functions to improve governance and accessibility.
Tura, strategically located in the western part of Meghalaya, was cited as an ideal location for a winter capital due to its geographical advantages and existing infrastructure capacity.
The groups further argued that Tura, as the cultural and historical centre of the Garo Hills, would be a fitting choice to house such important functions.
Highlighting the need for balanced representation and equitable development, the groups urged the chief minister and the state cabinet to focus on fair governance to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people of Meghalaya.
