Shillong, March 19: The Mothers’ Union, Tura, has expressed disappointment and concern over the demolition of World War II cenotaph constructed in memory of the Garo Labour Corps, to pave way for a commercial building.
After visiting the site, the union condemned the misleading assurances provided by Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani regarding the cenotaph at Lower Babupara, a site of historical and emotional significance to the people of Garo Hills.
In a statement, the secretary of Mothers’ Union secretary Sume G. B. Sangma said that on March 17, representatives of the Union sought clarification from the Deputy Commissioner regarding the dismantling of the cenotaph, a memorial honouring the World War II Labour Corps who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. During the discussion, the Deputy Commissioner had stated that there were no plans for a commercial complex at the site and that, instead, the area would be developed into an open public space featuring notable historical figures. However, subsequent findings revealed contradiction between his verbal assurances and the actual intentions of the administration.
“The revelation that the project is, in fact, a commercial complex has deeply wounded the sentiments of the local populace. The confirmation of this information through an RTI response obtained from the Tura Municipal Board, dated 24th February 2025, exposes the discrepancy between the Deputy Commissioner’s statement and the documented plans”,Sangma said.
Sabina K. Sangma, the president of the union added that the deliberate misrepresentation of facts has led to widespread disillusionment among the people, eroding the trust that a public official is expected to uphold. It is unacceptable that the custodian of administrative responsibilities would fail to uphold transparency and accountability in a matter of such historical and cultural importance.
‘The cenotaph is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of collective memory, heritage, and the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Its dismantling and the surreptitious attempt to convert the space into a commercial establishment reflect a disregard for the sentiments and historical consciousness of the Garo Hills community. The betrayal of public trust by an officer of such stature warrants immediate rectification”, the union said adding it stands firm in its commitment to preserving the history.
The continued silence and lack of accountability from the authorities on this matter further aggravate public distress. The people of Garo Hills deserve a governance framework rooted in truthfulness, participatory decision-making, and sensitivity toward historical preservation, the union said.
Sangma sai the union , as a representative voice of the community, demands a formal explanation from the Deputy Commissioner and called upon the government to intervene and safeguard the integrity of the cenotaph site. Any attempt to commercialise the sacred space will be met with firm resistance from the community, whose heritage must not be sacrificed for administrative expediency.
According to the union, the authorities must initiate immediate corrective measures and engage in a transparent and inclusive dialogue with the people of Garo Hills.
“The principles of good governance dictate that public officials remain answerable to the people they serve. The Mothers’ Union remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice and in ensuring that the voices of the people are not silenced in matters of historical and cultural significance”, it said.
Later after a meeting, the deputy commissioner assured the delegation that the monument will be renovated and a consultative committee will be formed.
The work has been kept in abeyance till the formation of the committee.
