SHILLONG, April 6: State BJP vice president and Tura MDC, Bernard N Marak, has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the preservation of Garo heritage and the reconstruction of the demolished World War I Cenotaph in Tura.
Marak expressed deep dismay over the dismantling of the memorial, which once stood as a poignant tribute to the Garo warriors of the Labour Corps who served in World War I.
He cited the Prime Minister’s recent homage to fallen Indian soldiers at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, France, as a testament to his unwavering commitment to honouring our fallen heroes.
Marak highlighted the crucial role played by the Garo Labour Corps, whose members faced unimaginable hardship as they supported the British war effort. Many of these warriors never returned, and their memories were enshrined in the cenotaph that once stood in Tura.
He recounted the names of several of these fallen warriors—Najok Sangma, Manding Marak, Chakrang Marak, Jingja Sangma, Khey Marak, Rachan Sangma, Thorin Sangma, Tilok Sangma, Bangsila Sangma, Mongjan Sangma, Monsi Momin, Mohan Marak, Join Marak, Jinna Sangma, Thejan Marak, Ringisa Sangma, Aiding Sangma, Simon Sangma— and stressed that these names served as an eternal reminder of their service, inspiring future generations to remember the sacrifices made by their forefathers.
Marak alleged that the Tura Municipal Board (TMB) violated Article 243ZC of the Constitution and the protections afforded under the Sixth Schedule by razing the cenotaph in the name of urban development. He also invoked national and international heritage laws, highlighting the illegality of the demolition.
The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 explicitly prohibits any damage or alteration to heritage sites without proper approval, he said.
Marak appealed for urgent action to protect Garo cultural landmarks and urged the Prime Minister to uphold the same values domestically that he had so prominently endorsed on foreign soil.
He urged the Prime Minister to direct the immediate reconstruction of the Tura World War I Cenotaph in its original form and request necessary steps to ensure the protection of heritage sites in Garo Hills, preserving them for future generations to learn and draw inspiration from.
Marak concluded with a passionate plea, asserting that “this issue is not just about preserving a monument but about respecting the legacy of our ancestors and ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten.”
He expressed faith in the Prime Minister’s leadership and expressed hope that justice will be done, and the historical significance of the Tura World War I Cenotaph will be rightfully reinstated.
