Events leading to a civil society-government confrontation at Tura on the demolition work at the cenotaph housing the historic monument in memory of the 69th Garo Labour Corps who lost their lives labouring for the British soldiers during the First World War, were avoidable, had the district administration informed the public of the government’s plans. The cenotaph houses the memory of the 69th Garo Labour Corps, numbering 456 men who undertook an arduous journey by ship to France. These tribesmen who found themselves in unfamiliar terrain, struggled to adapt to the harsh weather conditions where they were put to strenuous labour. Their work included making roads over difficult terrain for vehicles to carry reinforcements. In the main the labour corps had to facilitate the movement of soldiers of allied forces, apart from moving vital machinery. But they laboured hard and quite a number succumbed to the extreme weather conditions. Only 120 of those recruited returned home to Garo Hills on July 16, 1918. It is in memory of the fallen labourers that the cenotaph was built. A similar cenotaph stands in memory of the Khasi labour corps at the Mot Phran (Memorial of France) in Shillong where names of the fallen heroes are written.
In May 2024, there were media reports on the unsavoury activities at the cenotaph which was overgrown with weeds and had also become a den for dipsomaniacs. This report prompted the Chief Minister who represents the constituency to take quick decisions to renovate and maintain the place. But as usual, instead of taking the civil society into confidence and sharing his renovation plans with them, the Tura Municipal Board began demolishing the structure, allegedly with the intent of securing it. By then public tempers had risen since it was felt that the cenotaph would lose its significance if a new construction came up at the place.
A belated clarification by the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills could not assuage the hurt feelings of the public. This exposes a major lacuna in the government – the laxity of never consulting the public on any issue before undertaking any project in their areas. This is also why land acquisition becomes a landmine since the public only gets to know of a project when the land acquisition process is underway and most often land sharks get into the business. In the present case of the cenotaph there are emotions and sentiments involved which a sensitive government should have shown due respect to. The cenotaph houses sacred memories and is not just any public structure. Consultation is the key to democratic decision-making. It ensures that decisions aren’t made without considering the people they affect. By involving the public, consultations give everyone a chance to have their say on important issues. But will governments ever learn?
