Tura, Mar 4,2025: The A·chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), CEB HQ Tura submitted a Memorandum to the Chief Minister Conrad K.Sangma, to fulfill the long standing demand of Winter Capital, visionary leader Late Captain Williamson A. Sangma, the founder of Meghalaya. His foresight envisioned a state where balanced governance, equitable development and true inclusivity achieved by decentralizing administrative functions.
In this spirit that, “we demand that Tura is formally recognized as the Winter Capital of Meghalaya” appeal AHAM.
When Meghalaya declared as a Statehood in 1972, Late Captain Williamson A. Sangma, was the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya and the architect of our State, laid out a vision for equitable representation and development. His proposal to establish Tura Winter Capital was intended to decentralize governance, thereby ensuring that the people of Garo Hills would not remain perennially under represented or underserved. Recognizing Tura as the Winter Capital for six months, the State honored his legacy of inclusivity and balanced regional growth, added Momin.
Captain Williamson A. Sangma’s advocacy was rooted in the need to represent both Khasi Jaintia and Garo Hills equally, concentration of administrative power in Shillong has inadvertently marginalized Garo Hills for over five decades.
Momin mentioned in his released, Geographical and Economic Considerations, Tura is the largest town in Garo Hills, is not only geographically closer to its people, but also serves as Economic and Cultural Hub. Winter Capital in Tura, would reduce travel time, lower administrative costs and enable faster resolution of local issues.
Balanced Regional Development, establishing Tura as the Winter Capital will stimulate both public and private investment in the region. This significant improvements in infrastructure, like healthcare, education, and overall economic opportunities for Garo Hills.
All three branches of government executive, legislative and judicial in Tura for the half year will ensure that governance is accessible and responsive to the needs of local population.
Benefits to Garo Hills and Meghalaya, Equitable Resource Distribution, The shift in administrative functions to Tura will help address long standing developmental disparities, ensuring that government attention and resources are not solely concentrated in Shillong.
And also Economic and Infrastructural Upliftment, enhanced public and private investments will boost local businesses, create employment opportunities and pave the way for significant infrastructural development.
Enhanced Cultural Representation, Tura as a focal point, policies and decisions will more accurately reflected the unique cultural and socio economic needs of the Garo people, ensuring their active participation in State affairs.
Model for Decentralized Governance, emulating successful models from other Indian States, where multiple capitals, (such as in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Karnataka) have been implemented, Meghalaya can set a precedent in administrative innovation and regional balance, added Momin.
He mentioned that the recent announcement by the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, declaring Dibrugarh as the Second Capital of Assam and establishing key offices in Tezpur and Silchar, underscores the effectiveness of decentralizing governance. This bold step, alongside similar resilient efforts by various civil society groups, serves as timely wake-up call for state government to fulfill this long held aspiration, said Momin.
In 2020, AHAM submitted the first memorandum in Shillong to initiate the demand for Tura Winter Capital.
In 2021, reinforcement of the demand through a memorandum submitted via the CM’s liaison office in Tura, ensuring the issue remained on the agenda. In 2022: Memorandum to the Governor of Meghalaya, addressed border disputes, further emphasizing the need for Winter Capital.
In 2023, the movement continued its advocacy and resubmitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya on 3rd June 2023. In 2024, elevation of the demand to the national level through a memorandum submitted to the President of India, stressing the urgency and national significance of the issue,said Momin.
Meghalaya’s unique ethnic and geographical landscape calls for innovative approach to governance. Recognizing Tura as the Winter Capital is not merely an administrative adjustment, but a strategic, forward looking initiative to ensure inclusive development. It fulfills the visionary intent of the state’s founder and offers sustainable path to reducing regional disparities.
In light of successful adoption of multiple capital systems in various Indian States and the recent decisive actions taken by the Assam government, “we earnestly urged the Chief Minister of Meghalaya to take prompt action. Establishing Tura as the Winter Capital for equitable growth, enhance regional development and honored the legacy of Late Captain Williamson A. Sangma ensuring that the aspirations and welfare of the people of Garo Hills are finally realized”‘ said AHAM President.
AHAM, along with the A’chik community residing in Garo Hills, earnestly anticipates the establishment of the Winter Capital in Tura. “We believe this step is essential for balanced regional development and equitable governance. However, prolonged delays may compel us to express our concerns through democratic and peaceful means. We sincerely urged the authorities to expedite the necessary measures to fulfill this long-standing aspiration, ensuring the aspirations of the A’chik people are acknowledged and addressed in timely and constructive manner” he added.
“We look forward to your positive response and swift action in bringing this transformative change to fruition. We trust in your leadership to uphold the vision of our founding leaders and deliver a more inclusive, balanced and prosperous Meghalaya” said Momin.
