By Bijoy A. Sangma
As July 16 approaches, the people of Garo Hills prepare to observe Garo Labour Corps Day, a solemn occasion that honours the sacrifices of their brave ancestors who served in World War I. This day is more than just a commemoration – it is a tribute to a group of unsung heroes whose contributions, often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, deserve recognition and preservation for future generations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s rich history and the indomitable spirit of its people.
The forgotten warriors of World War I
In 1917, during the height of World War I, the British government sought manpower from its colonies to support military operations in Europe. Responding to this call, approximately 1,000 men from Garo Hills were recruited into the 69th Garo Labour Corps to serve the Allied forces. After a rigorous selection process, 500 men were deemed fit for duty, and 456 of them embarked on a perilous journey to France.
Their role in the war effort was crucial but often unrecognized. Tasked with constructing roads, transporting supplies, and handling other essential logistics, they toiled in harsh and unfamiliar conditions. Having spent their lives in the hills of Northeast India, these men had to adapt to the frigid climates of Europe, enduring extreme hardships. Yet, their resilience and dedication earned them commendations from Allied commanders, acknowledging their invaluable service.
Despite their critical contributions, their story remains overshadowed by dominant historical narratives, relegating them to the margins of war history. The Garo Labour Corps, much like other indigenous labour corps of the British Empire, played a significant role, yet their story remains largely absent from mainstream war histories, relegated to the margins of historical accounts.
A bitter homecoming and its legacy
The war left deep scars on those who served. Many never returned. Records indicate that out of the 456 men deployed, only 120 survivors made it back home to Garo Hills. Their return on July 16, 1918, was a moment of mixed emotions – relief, grief, and pride. They had witnessed firsthand the horrors of war, lost comrades, and endured unimaginable hardships.
Since then, July 16 has been observed annually as Garo Labour Corps Day, a solemn day of remembrance. It is a time when the people of Garo Hills honour their ancestors, reflect on their sacrifices, and take pride in their resilience.
The Cenotaph: a silent sentinel of history
To commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of the Garo Labour Corps, a Cenotaph was erected in Tura, the administrative headquarters of West Garo Hills. A Cenotaph is a monument built to honour and commemorate individuals or groups of people who died in a significant event, such as a war, but whose remains are not buried at the site. Unlike a traditional grave, a cenotaph serves as a symbolic memorial, allowing people to pay tribute to the fallen. These structures are often located in public spaces and are used for annual remembrance ceremonies. The Garo Labour Corps Cenotaph in Tura was one such monument, erected to honour the sacrifices of the Garo men who served in World War I but never returned home. This historic monument became the focal point of annual memorial services, where families, officials, and community members would gather to lay floral wreaths, offer prayers, and sing patriotic songs.
For decades, the Cenotaph stood as a symbol of collective memory and historical reverence. It was more than just a structure; it represented the unbreakable spirit of the Garo people and their role in a global conflict that shaped the modern world. However, recent events have placed this legacy at risk.
A monument erased: controversy and questions
In an unexpected and controversial move, the Cenotaph was demolished – reportedly without formal community consultation. The demolition, reportedly done without public consultation, has raised concerns over transparency and respect for local history.
The sudden erasure of this monument has sparked outrage and disappointment among the Garo community. The Mothers’ Union, Tura, has voiced strong disappointment over the demolition of the World War I cenotaph, built to honour the Garo Labour Corps, for a commercial complex. Mothers’ Union Secretary Sume G.B. Sangma stated that on March 17, union representatives sought clarification from the district administration, who assured them the site would become an open public space featuring historical tributes. However, an RTI response from the Tura Municipal Board, dated February 24, 2025, confirmed plans for a commercial complex, contradicting his claims. This development has sparked strong community reactions. As Labour Corps Day approaches on July 16, the Mothers’ Union has reiterated its demand for government intervention to protect the cenotaph’s legacy.
With concerns about transparency and decision-making, many in the community now ask: Was the community informed and consulted? What justifications were provided for its destruction? Was due consideration given to its historical and emotional significance?
An Unsettling Silence Before the Storm
The recent turn of events surrounding the demolition of the Cenotaph exposes a troubling pattern – bureaucratic overreach, lack of transparency, and an alarming disregard for historical sentiment. What was initially framed as a renovation project has now unfolded into a controversy of erasure, forcing authorities into damage control.
Faced with mounting public outrage, West Garo Hills District Administration convened an emergency meeting with representatives from the joint forum, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and social activists – a move that, while overdue, signals a realization of the storm they have unleashed.
Mothers’ Union Secretary, who attended the meeting, cautiously welcomed it as a positive step but made it clear that the shock and disappointment remain. And rightly so. The community was led to believe that the Cenotaph would be renovated, not erased. The very language used by the administration -“renovation” – was, at best, misleading and, at worst, a deliberate attempt to placate dissent while carrying out irreversible damage. Instead, the entire hillock was bulldozed. “The term used was renovation—repairing, not removing,” she said. “But what we witnessed was total erasure, which deeply shocked and hurt us.” She criticized the lack of transparency, emphasizing that the incident could have been avoided with proper communication. She reaffirmed the community’s strong opposition to any structure that alters the site’s significance.
At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental question: Who gets to decide the fate of historical landmarks? Should development be pursued at the cost of obliterating sites of collective memory? The administration may have now paused construction, but the damage – both physical and emotional – has already been done.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: public sentiment cannot be bulldozed as easily as a hillock. This is not just about a monument; it is about the right of a people to protect their history, their sacred spaces, and their identity. Any further action must not only involve dialogue and consultation but must also restore the trust that has been so carelessly shattered.
Balancing development and heritage preservation
This incident highlights a larger issue: the delicate balance between development and heritage preservation. While economic progress and urban expansion are necessary, they should not come at the cost of erasing culturally significant landmarks.
The people of Garo Hills now face a pivotal question: How can history and progress coexist? Should there be a demand for a respectful, alternative solution that honours both heritage and progress?
A meaningful solution could involve integrating a memorial within the new development, ensuring that the legacy of the Garo Labour Corps remains visible and respected. A dedicated space – be it a museum, a monument, or an interactive exhibit – could serve as both an educational and commemorative landmark.
Reclaiming History: Moving Forward
With the halted construction and assurances of future consultation, the community now has an opportunity to push for meaningful action:
• Rebuilding the Cenotaph in a way that respects historical significance and is preserved for future generations.
• Creating a dedicated heritage park incorporating a memorial, historical plaques, and educational exhibits, offering a serene space for reflection and learning.
• Introducing educational reforms to ensure the Garo Labour Corps’ history is included in school curricula.
• Organizing annual storytelling sessions, discussions, and performances that celebrate the legacy and contributions of the Garo Labour Corps.
• Developing an online archive with historical records, firsthand accounts, and photographs to ensure accessibility and global recognition of their history.
• Working with policymakers to introduce or strengthen legislation safeguarding historically significant sites from arbitrary removal or commercial redevelopment.
• Promoting active community involvement in preserving history, ensuring that local voices play a key role in decision-making processes related to cultural conservation.
A Nation’s Responsibility
History is not just about the past – it is a living narrative that shapes identity and collective memory. The destruction of the Cenotaph is a reminder of how fragile historical memory is amid unchecked modernization. This incident should serve as a wake-up call – a renewed commitment to historical preservation is essential. The responsibility does not rest solely on the government; it is a collective duty of historians, educators, policymakers, and every citizen.
Moving forward with pride and purpose
As July 16 draws near, the Garo people stand at a crossroads. Will their history be forgotten, or will they reclaim their heroes?
The halted construction is a small victory, but the fight to protect and honour history continues. This is not just a call to remember the past – it is a call to ensure the future does not forget.
The Garo Labour Corps’ story is one of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Their memory must endure.
