Meghalaya: MP WR Kharlukhi Backs JSU’s Demand for Jowai as Summer Capital

The JSU's demand comes amid ongoing discussions over declaring Tura as the Winter Capital of Meghalaya.

The demand to declare Jowai as the Summer Capital of Meghalaya has gained momentum, with Rajya Sabha MP WR Kharlukhi lending strong support to the demand put forward by the Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU).

WR Kharlukhi, who was once the president of JSU, expressed solidarity with the demand, stating that the Jaintia Hills region deserves greater administrative focus.

“I think Jaintia Hills also deserve something. JSU demanded it, and once upon a time, I was the president of the JSU. So, I also support the demand,” he said.

“The administration comes to the people. It cannot be concentrated only in Shillong. It should be everywhere. Both winter and summer capital status can be given. There is no harm. You see, before we had the Jaintia Raja. He had his winter capital in Jandapur and summer capital in Nartiang. So, the same thing can be done,” WR Kharlukhi said.

The JSU’s demand comes amid ongoing discussions over declaring Tura as the Winter Capital of Meghalaya.

The Union stressed that fair and equal representation of the Khasis, Jaintias, and Garos is essential for the state’s balanced development. They pointed out that Jaintia Hills continues to face neglect in infrastructure and development initiatives.

Highlighting that the Jaintia Hills region remains underdeveloped, grappling with poor infrastructure and lack of focused development initiatives, the union said that granting Jowai the status of Summer Capital would not only promote balanced development but also ensure equal representation among the communities.

The Union also issued a strong warning to the state government, cautioning that granting seasonal capital status to one region while ignoring Jaintia Hills will lead to widespread dissatisfaction.

Earlier, responding to the demand, Jowai MLA and NPP leader Wailadmiki Shylla said, “If it is possible and viable, why not?” indicating that the proposal deserves consideration.

It may be mentioned here that the Meghalaya government has already set up an All-Party Committee to examine the proposal of making Tura the Winter Capital. The committee’s report is awaited.

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