Discrepancies in Govt Notifications alleged, Questions fairness of Committee formation
Tura, March 25: In a bold move, the Joint NGOs Forum that has been protesting the dismantling of the century old Garo Labour Corps Memorial at Tura have boycotted the first meeting of the newly constituted committee called by the West Garo Hills deputy commissioner Jagdish Chelani in Tura on Monday.
The decision by the Forum, outlined in a strongly worded press statement that was released on Monday night, cited a series of procedural irregularities, lack of transparency, and inadequate representation in the planning process as the major driving factors behind their stance.
The Forum made it known that the controversy erupted following the issuance of two conflicting notifications—both dated March 22, 2025, concerning the formation of a committee tasked with overseeing the cenotaph’s redevelopment.
According to the forum, one version of the notification appeared on the Deputy Commissioner’s official Facebook page on Sunday, while a slightly altered version was posted again on Monday. The official hard copy of the letter was reportedly delivered only on Monday evening.
“We are deeply concerned about the lack of clarity and uniformity in the notification process,” the Joint NGOs Forum stated. “This inconsistency has sown confusion and undermined trust in the procedural transparency of this initiative.”
The forum has also objected to the composition of the committee, pointing to the inclusion of the Deputy Commissioner and the CEO of Tura Municipal Board (TMB) as both chairman and members. “Their roles should be confined to providing clarifications, not steering decisions,” the statement argued, warning that such dual responsibilities could lead to undue influence and compromise the fairness of the process.
The deputy commissioner had, on March 22, notified the Constitution of a Committee for the “Redevelopment of the Cenotaph at Lower Babupara, West Garo Hills, Tura” after multiple student and social organizations raised a strong protest against the dismantling of the original memorial cenotaph and accused authorities of concealing details of the new project.
The newly formed committee consisted of 16 members with the deputy commissioner as the Chairman, and members including the Tura Municipal Board CEO, GHADC Secretary, district research officer, a representative each from the family of the fallen heros, Mothers Union of Tura, church bodies, a historian, educationists, a pressure group leader and president/secretary of the local development committee where the memorial is to come up.
But the sticking point for the forum was what it says, “The apparent sidelining of key stakeholders”. It highlighted, what it says to be, “The absence of academicians, historians, social activists, and its own representatives”, arguing that the cultural and historical significance of the cenotaph demands broader expertise and community input.
“The exclusion of these voices raises serious doubts about whether this committee truly reflects the sentiments of the people it claims to serve,” the statement read. Their grievance didn’t end there.
On Sunday, the group submitted a letter to the Chief Minister outlining its concerns about the redevelopment project. “Until the Chief Minister addresses these issues, participating in the meeting would be premature and inappropriate,” the forum asserted, while urging authorities to rectify the procedural lapses, ensure proper representation, and restore public confidence in the redevelopment process.
“Only through fairness, transparency, and meaningful engagement can the interests of the people be upheld,” the statement concluded. The district administration is yet to issue an official response.
