ASPF rallies support for Tura as winter capital at West Garo Hills meeting

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 4, 2025

The Achik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) held its ninth Winter Capital Awareness Campaign Meeting on Saturday at the Balachanda village playground in West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, as part of its continued push to establish Tura as the Winter Capital of the state.

Key traditional leaders participated in the gathering, including the Nokmas of Balachanda and Chandalkona aking lands and the Nokma of Rajabala. Also in attendance was the president of the Rajabala unit of the Achik Progressive Approach (APA). These leaders expressed concerns and shared their support for the campaign to recognize Tura’s significance in the region.

ASPF is spearheading this movement through a series of grassroots meetings across the Garo Hills, citing strong public support and growing momentum. “The public response has been overwhelmingly positive, and their cooperation has been crucial at every step,” said ASPF Secretary Bernita Marak.

Marak called on Meghalaya Chief Minister to urgently meet with the Winter Capital Committee and key stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations such as the ASPF and GSMC. “On behalf of the people of the Garo Hills region, we respectfully request that the Hon’ble Chief Minister convene a meeting with all relevant stakeholders as soon as possible,” she said.

She also thanked all attendees for their active participation and announced that the next awareness campaign meeting will be held on May 10, 2025, at the Raksamgre Public Playground in West Garo Hills.