SHILLONG, May 4: The state government has finalised plans to construct a memorial in Tura in honour of the Garo Labour Corps, recognising their vital contributions during World War I.
This was informed by Cabinet Minister and Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Garo Culture and Heritage, Marcuise N. Marak.
The announcement comes ahead of the annual Garo Labour Corps Day, to be observed on July 16.
Speaking to media persons, Marak said that consensus had been reached during the committee meeting to implement both immediate and long-term plans to appropriately honour the occasion.
He informed that this year’s celebration will feature the installation of a temporary Cenotaph at the designated location where the tribute ceremony will take place.
“We will be making a temporary Cenotaph which will be placed there in the same place, and wreath-laying, floral tributes, and prayers will be held. The main programme will follow in the auditorium,” Marak said.
Looking ahead, the Committee has taken concrete steps towards constructing a permanent memorial at the same location.
“The permanent structure, which will come up there in the same place—we have, in the first meeting, instructed the architect, and accordingly, the local architect has come up with design and everybody liked it,” the minister informed.
“We had already instructed the local architect in our first meeting. A design has been submitted and approved by the Committee,” the Minister said.
He added that the architect has now been asked to prepare detailed estimates along with a 3D presentation of the project. “The proposal will soon be placed before the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary. Once approved, the tendering and construction process will commence,” he added.
In addition to the Cenotaph, the Committee is also considering a second site to honour other unsung Garo war heroes, especially those whose names do not currently appear in historical records.
Marak indicated that the government may send researchers to France to gather further documentation and ensure that all names are properly displayed at the Garo Cultural Centre and Heritage.
A broader vision is also taking shape, with plans to establish a museum to preserve and exhibit historical materials related to the Garo Labour Corps.
“We are trying to propose to government for remembrance of war heroes and creation of museum in old Circuit House or Public School campus,” Marak stated.
The Garo Labour Corps, often overlooked in mainstream history, played a crucial logistical role in aiding the Allied forces during World War I. Through these efforts, the government seeks not only to pay tribute to their sacrifices but also to institutionalise their legacy for generations to come.
