Shillong, Sept 4: The Jaintia Students’ Union has submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar requesting his intervention in a number of demands made by the union.
The union has appealed to the governor to take up with the Centre and State government for declaring Jowai as the state’s Summer Capital, immediate implementation of the anti-influx inner line permit (ILP) and revisiting the Instrument of Accession (IoA) signed on August 17,1948.
“We urge declaring Jowai as Meghalaya’s Summer Capital, complementing discussions on Tura as Winter Capital (under review by the 2025 All Party Committee). This would uplift the Jaintia Hills, home to the Pnar, War, Bhoi, and Biate sub-tribes within the Hynniewtrep community, ensuring tribal equity,” JSU said in the memorandum.
It also stated that declaring Jowai as the Summer Capital would promote tribal equity, drive investments, and boost tourism in the region. They cite Jowai’s historical legacy, administrative readiness, and developmental needs as key reasons supporting the proposal.
The JSU has also requested the Governor’s intervention in expediting the implementation of the ILP system in Meghalaya, which was pending since the state assembly’s 2019 resolution. They argue that ILP would regulate influx, safeguarding the land and cultural heritage of the indigenous communities in Jaintia Hills.
Furthermore, the JSU has sought a review of the Instrument of Accession (IoA) to reinforce Sixth Schedule protections and guarantee tribal autonomy. They claim that the IoA promised tribal control over land and customs, but encroachments require reaffirmation for Jaintia Hills.
“The IoA promised tribal control over land and customs, but encroachments require reaffirmation for Jaintia Hills. Despite no Jaintia king signing (due to 1835 British annexation), associated chieftaincies justify extending IoA protections,” it stated.
