Shillong, February 25: The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) intensified its campaign drive today, advocating for the establishment of a Winter Capital in Garo Hills.
The awareness initiative took center stage at Upper Damalgre Market, drawing enthusiastic participation from local residents, traders, and community leaders.
The campaign, spearheaded by ACHIK, aims to highlight the necessity of a Winter Capital to ensure balanced regional development, equitable governance, and better accessibility for the people of Garo Hills.
ACHIK members engaged with the public through delivering speeches on the need of Winter Capital and interactive discussions emphasizing the socio-economic benefits of the proposed Winter Capital.
Speaking at the event, the ACHIK leaders underscored the historical neglect of the region in terms of infrastructure and administrative outreach. “A Winter Capital in Garo Hills would bridge the developmental gap and bring governance closer to the people, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed effectively,” the representative stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Macklawrence M Sangma, the Working President of the Organization emphasizes that ACHIK Organization has been always advocating for the implementation of the Winter Capital or the Second Capital in Tura for the state of Meghalaya citing reasonable justifications of the demand. He informed that the demand is not new rather it is based on the principles and the agreements of the foundongfathers of Meghalaya state.
Shri Happynews R Marak, General Secretary of ACHIK Krima Council, Shri Kronos Marak,the General Secretary of NorthWest Garo Hills Zone , Shri Adrian Sangma, General Secretary, Tura ACHIK and some women team members were part of the spearheading team of the awareness campaign.
Community members at the event voiced their support for the initiative, expressing concerns over the existing governance structure, which they believe disproportionately favors other regions of Meghalaya. “This is a much-needed movement. Garo Hills deserves a Winter Capital to facilitate growth and equal representation,” said a local trader.
ACHIK has been consistently advocating for this cause through grassroots mobilization, discussions with stakeholders, and engaging with policymakers. The organization plans to conduct similar awareness campaigns across various locations in the coming weeks to garner widespread public support.
The campaign at Upper Damalgre Market marks another significant step in ACHIK’s ongoing efforts to realize the demand for a Winter Capital in Garo Hills. As the movement gains momentum, the organization urges the state government to consider this long-standing demand and initiate discussions on the feasibility of the proposal.
