Shillong, Sep 4: The Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU) is rooting for Jowai as the summer capital of Meghalaya.
The union submitted a memorandum to Governor CH Vijayashankar on Thursday, requesting him to take up with the Centre and state government for declaring Jowai as the state’s summer capital.
“… This (the summer capital status) would uplift the Jaintia Hills, home to the Pnar, War, Bhoi, and Biate sub-tribes within the Hynniewtrep community, ensuring tribal equity,” JSU said in the memorandum.
It added that the status upgrade would drive investments and boost tourism in the region. In its argument, it cited Jowai’s historical legacy, administrative readiness and developmental needs.
ILP & IoA
JSU has also requested the governor’s intervention in expediting the implementation of the ILP system in Meghalaya, which has been pending since the state Assembly’s 2019 resolution. It argued that ILP would regulate influx, safeguarding the land and cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in Jaintia Hills.
Further, JSU sought a review of the Instrument of Accession (IoA) to reinforce the Sixth Schedule protection and guarantee tribal autonomy. It claimed that the IoA promised tribal control over land and customs, but encroachments require reaffirmation for the Jaintia Hills.
“The IoA promised tribal control over land and customs, but encroachments require reaffirmation for Jaintia Hills. Despite no Jaintia king signing (due to the 1835 British annexation), associated chieftaincies justify extending IoA protections,” it stated.
