From Our Correspondent
Tura, March 19: The demolition of the cenotaph at Lower Babupara, Tura, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation in Garo Hills.
Labour Corps Cenotaph, a memorial monument to honour the fighters of Garo Hills who lost their lives in the First World War, was demolished with an assurance that it would be developed into an open public space featuring figurines of notable historical figures.
However, an RTI finding revealed the true motive behind the demolition of the WWI monument site causing widespread condemnation and anger among the people of Garo Hills.
The Mothers’ Union who met West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani expressed grave concerns over what they termed a ‘misrepresentation of facts’ by the officer.
‘We met the district DC and were assured that there were no plans to develop the area into a commercial complex. However, this is a misrepresentation as we have details of an RTI which shows that the place is being dismantled to make space for a commercial complex, completely against the wishes of the people of Garo Hills,” union president Sabina Sangma said.
“During the discussion, the DC categorically stated that there were no plans for a commercial complex at the site and that, instead, the area would be developed into an open public space featuring figurines of notable historical figures. However, subsequent findings have revealed a stark contradiction between his verbal assurances and the actual intentions of the administration,” Secretary Sume Sangma added.
“The revelation that the project is a commercial complex has deeply wounded the sentiments of the local populace. The confirmation of the information through an RTI response from the Tura Municipal Board, dated February 24, 2025, exposed the discrepancy between the deputy commissioner’s statement and the documented plans,” they added.
The union said the deliberate misrepresentation of facts is leading to widespread disillusionment among the people and eroding the trust that a public official is expected to uphold.
“It is unacceptable that the custodian of administrative responsibilities would fail to uphold transparency and accountability in a matter of such historical and cultural importance,” they added.
“The Cenotaph is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of collective memory, heritage, and the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Its dismantling and the surreptitious attempt to convert the space into a commercial establishment reflect a disregard for the sentiments and historical consciousness of the Garo Hills community. The betrayal of public trust by an officer of such stature warrants immediate rectification. We stand firm in our commitment to preserving our history and ensuring that decisions affecting the cultural fabric of our society are taken with due regard to the wishes and emotions of the people.”
The Mothers’ Union felt that immediate corrective measures and inclusive dialogue were necessary.
“The continued silence and lack of accountability from the authorities further aggravate public distress. The people of Garo Hills deserve a governance framework rooted in truthfulness, participatory decision-making, and sensitivity towards historical preservation. The Mothers’ Union demands a formal explanation from the deputy commissioner and calls upon the government to intervene and safeguard the historical site. Any attempt to commercialize this sacred space will be dealt with firm resistance from the community,” the union stated.
Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner could not be contacted for comment.