ACHIK asks KHNAM to support demand for winter capital

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 18, 2023

The Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) on Tuesday asked the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) to support the demand for winter capital in Tura.

Reacting to a recent statement by KHNAM working president Thomas Passah, ACHIK said, “We suggest that your party which propagates regionalism should support the demand as it will bring cultural, traditional differences to closeness and make Khasi Garo Jaintia brotherhood to grow and prosper instead of mistrusts.”

It said it was rather remarkable that Passah was unable to comprehend why ACHIK and other NGOs are pursuing the demand to establish a winter capital.

Govt should not entertain winter capital demand: Ampareen

“Since you (Passah) have only observed Himachal Pradesh, please first be aware of which states have two and three state capitals. Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, which have two capitals each, were not mentioned. In the case of Uttar Pradesh Prayagraj is the Judicial Capital and Lucknow as the Administrative Capital.”

The ACHIK said that the desire for Tura to be declared the second capital or winter capital is a valid demand to achieve parity in terms of overall development.

This demand was first raised in 1972; however it has still not been met even 51 years later.

“You noted, Passah, that the Garo Hills had received the lion’s share of development during the previous few decades. We advise you to visit Garo Hills to observe the types of changes that are occurring there and contrast it with Shillong. You appear to have overlooked the fact that this year’s Budget Speech for 2022–2023 raised funding for the Shillong Smart City project from Rs 700 crore to Rs 1000 crore whereas just Rs 50 crore was set up for Tura Smart City. A copy of which can be found on the website of the Government of Meghalaya. However, we never voice a concern or oppose to it. How therefore, sitting in your luxurious home in Shillong, can you claim that the Garo hills are receiving the most funding without any data or supporting evidence? Please come and see the ground reality before forming assumptions, as we respectfully request. The lion’s portion is actually going to someone else, contrary to reality,” it said.

The statement further stated that the MATI, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, NEIAH, IHM, NIFT, and Shillong Technology Parks are just a few of the large projects that are housed in the New Shillong Township. It is well known that Shillong receives the majority of the funding for these and other large projects.

“However, you will constantly claim that all development is being moved to the Garo Hills whenever any significant development occurs. Therefore, Passah, you have failed to comprehend the actual definition of the word “Equality” which is the state of being equal, as well as how it will be burdened if the budget is split evenly between the two capitals,” it added.