Shillong, Sept 4: The Jaintia Students Union (JSU) has submitted a memorandum to Governor CH Vijayashankar, pressing for the declaration of Jowai as Meghalaya’s Summer Capital, immediate implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), and a revisit of the Instrument of Accession to reinforce tribal autonomy.
Arguing that Jaintia Hills continues to lag in education, healthcare and connectivity despite contributing significantly to the state’s economy, the JSU stressed that Jowai deserves recognition to balance regional development. “The Jaintia kings maintained Nartiang as Summer Capital and Jaintiapur as Winter Capital, supporting Jowai’s candidacy for seasonal governance,” the memorandum noted. The union maintained that with an existing Mini Secretariat, Jowai is administratively prepared to function as a seasonal capital, while also boosting tourism and preserving the unique Pnar identity.
On the issue of regulating influx, the union reminded the Governor of the Assembly’s 2019 resolution in favour of ILP. “ILP, as in Arunachal Pradesh, would regulate influx, safeguarding land and cultural heritage of Jaintia sub-tribes,” the memorandum stated, urging Raj Bhavan to impress upon the Centre to expedite its implementation.
The JSU also sought a review of the Instrument of Accession, underscoring that its original assurances of autonomy have been eroded over time. “Despite no Jaintia king signing due to the British annexation of 1835, the associated chieftaincies justify extending IoA protections,” the union asserted, adding that reaffirmation of Sixth Schedule guarantees is critical to safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities.
