Shillong, March 6: Achik State People’s Front has expressed disappointment over winter capital issue.
Though the Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma had moved a resolution in this regard in the Assembly on Thursday, it was not adopted.
Full statement of Bernita Marak, Secretary, ASPF, Tura
It is with a profound sense of disappointment and concern that we express our condemnation on the division and silence of the Garo legislators during the Budget Session of 2025 on the critical issue of creating Tura as the Winter Capital of Meghalaya. This issue, which has been a long-standing demand of the people of Garo Hills, represents a fundamental need for the region’s growth and development. It is a glaring missed opportunity for our elected representatives to stand up and advocate for the interests and welfare of their constituents.
The proposal for a Winter Capital in Tura is not a new one. It is a reflection of the unique challenges faced by the Garo Hills region due to its geographical and climatic conditions. Tura, being located in a region that experiences extreme weather conditions and faces considerable logistical challenges, stands at a disadvantage in terms of governance and administrative efficiency. The establishment of a Winter Capital would ensure that the seat of government would function more effectively, ensuring better service delivery to the people of Garo Hills, and more equitable distribution of resources across the state. It would foster better connectivity between the people of Garo Hills and the state government, a crucial aspect in achieving holistic development.
However, the absence of any substantial or vocal support from the Garo legislators during the Budget Session 2025 is not only surprising but also troubling. The people of Garo Hills, who have long been advocating for the creation of a Winter Capital, expected their representatives to be the strongest voice for this proposal. Instead, the silence from our elected officials is nothing short of a betrayal. Their failure to speak up in favor of the Winter Capital is a stark indication of a lack of commitment to the development and well-being of the region they represent.
While we acknowledge that legislative matters are complex, and that there may be various considerations at play, it is incumbent upon the elected representatives to prioritize the needs of their people. The Garo Hills region has long been marginalized in terms of political and infrastructural development, and the establishment of a Winter Capital is a step towards rectifying this historical imbalance. By choosing to remain silent during the Budget Session, the Garo legislators have failed to demonstrate the leadership that is needed to address the pressing needs of their constituents.
It is essential to remind our legislators that they were elected to serve the interests of the people. Their silence in the face of such an important proposal raises questions about their true commitment to the people they represent. It also raises concerns about whether they are prioritizing political considerations over the welfare and development of their own region.
The people of Tura, and the Garo Hills in general, have been patient and understanding, but this lack of action cannot continue. They deserve better. They deserve leaders who will stand firm on the issues that matter most to them and fight for the changes that will positively impact their lives. The creation of a Winter Capital in Tura is not just an administrative necessity-it is a step toward correcting the long-standing neglect of the region and ensuring that the benefits of governance are felt by all citizens, regardless of where they live.
We call upon the Garo legislators to reflect on their actions, or lack thereof, and take immediate steps to push for the creation of the Winter Capital in Tura. This issue should not be sidelined any longer. It is time for the Garo Hills to be given the attention and resources it deserves, and it is the duty of our legislators to ensure that the aspirations of the people are heard and acted upon. The people of Garo Hills deserve leaders who will stand up for them, and it is high time that this critical issue is brought to the forefront of legislative discussions”.
