Shillong, July 16: On the occasion of Labour Corps Day on Sunday, Bernard N Marak, MDC Tura, asserted that winter capital in Tura is a genuine demand.
In a statement issued here, the BJP leader said before the historic peace pact was signed by the Centre with both the factions of ANVC and ANVC -B, winter capital was one of the priority lists in the charter of demands placed before the Centre 12 years ago.
“Winter capital was promised to the people of Garo Hills 50 years ago during the statehood movement but left halfway by the former leaders which was later taken up before signing the peace pact. The state failed to hold periodic review meetings on pretext of lockdown and many of the genuine demands for upgradation and development were hijacked by the state”, Marak said.
The implementation of the tripartite agreement did not go as expected due to negligence of the state, he said.
According to Marak, the roads, infrastructures and many developments happening around the state are due to the tripartite agreement which the state took take credit for while the leaders who signed the agreement were neglected.
“The civil society groups demanding winter capital in Tura is genuine which the CM should initiate. BJP honoured the aspirations of the sacrifices made by the Garos during statehood movement and even before that as the sacrifices were made in hope of installing better administration, opportunity etc. Many sacrificed their lives for a better tomorrow for their children and to secure the land, culture, tradition, language etc. BJP included mini secretariat in its manifesto during election as one of the top most agenda and wanted to initiate implementation of the promises made to the people of the state in general. It’s ironic, today is Labour Corps day where Garos sacrificed their lives in France fighting for their emperor but few remembered the martyrs. The present movement and the sacrifices made by individuals should not go in vain”, Marak said.
