Shillong, April 7: Tura MDC Bernard Marak has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the preservation of Garo heritage and reconstruction of thebTura World War I Cenotaph
Full text of the letter below
To,
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
Shri Narendra Modi Ji
Prime Minister’s Office
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi – 110011
Subject: Urgent Appeal for the Preservation of Garo Heritage and Reconstruction of the
Tura World War I Cenotaph
Hon’ble Prime Minister,
With utmost reverence and appreciation, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your
recognition of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during World War I in France. Your
recent visit to the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, France, where you paid
homage to the martyred Indians, is a testament to your unwavering commitment to
honouring our fallen heroes. The cemetery is also the resting place of Garo warriors who
valiantly served under the British Empire. However, it is deeply disheartening that a
similar monument dedicated to these warriors in Garo Hills has been demolished
without honour or due respect.
The Garo Labour Corps, comprising brave indigenous men from Garo Hills, played a
crucial role in World War I. These men, hailing from various villages, were sent to
foreign lands, including France and Mesopotamia, to serve in labour companies such as the 69th and 84th Garo Labour Companies. They endured immense hardship, braving harsh climates and war-torn landscapes to contribute to the war effort. Many never returned home, and their sacrifice was immortalized through the Tura World War I Cenotaph, a heritage structure that symbolized their contribution and sacrifice.
The names of these fallen warriors, as inscribed on the original memorial, included
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 many others. Their names stood as an
eternal reminder of their service, inspiring future generations to remember the sacrifices
made by their forefathers.
However, in the name of renovation, the Tura Municipal Board (TMB) which is
functioning in a Sixth Scheduled area violating the Article 243ZC of the
Constitution of India and the District Administration of West Garo Hills have shifted priorities towards the construction of commercial complexes and parking lots, relegating the heritage site’s significance to the background. The demolition of the Tura World War I Cenotaph has caused immense anguish among the Garo indigenous tribe, as it is not merely a structure but a sacred symbol of their history and sacrifice. Moreover, the land in which this monument stood was a tribal land under the Nokma of Danakgre which was not acquired and no permission was sought from the tribal head of the land as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule. This act grossly violated the “Law of the Land” and the traditional land holding system in Garo Hills (Meghalaya).
The destruction of the cenotaph is a violation of heritage protection laws in India, which
safeguard sites of historical and cultural importance. The Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 explicitly prohibits any damage or
alteration to heritage sites without proper approval. Furthermore, international
conventions, such as the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural
and Natural Heritage, emphasize the need to preserve sites of historical significance.
The sentiments of the Garo indigenous people have been deeply hurt by this act. The
erasing of their history is not just a local concern but a national one, as it undermines
the collective efforts to honour the sacrifices of India’s fallen warriors. The Hon’ble Prime
Minister himself has recognized the significance of war memorials, and it is imperative that similar respect is extended to domestic historical sites of equal importance.
In light of the above concerns, I urge you to intervene in this matter and direct the
immediate reconstruction of the Tura World War I Cenotaph in its original form.
Furthermore, I request that necessary steps be taken to ensure the protection of
heritage sites in Garo Hills, preserving them for future generations to learn and draw
inspiration from.
This issue is not just about preserving a monument; it is about respecting the legacy of
our ancestors and ensuring that their sacrifices are not forgotten. The demolition of the cenotaph without honour stands in stark contrast to the noble efforts undertaken at the
national and international levels to recognize the contributions of Indian warriors. As the
leader of our great nation, your intervention will not only restore the lost heritage of the
Garo indigenous tribe but will also reinforce the values of respect, dignity, and historical
consciousness that you have championed.
I remain hopeful that under your esteemed leadership, justice will be done, and the
historical significance of the Tura World War I Cenotaph will be rightfully reinstated.
With highest regards,
Yours sincerely,
Bernard Rimpu N Marak
MDC, State Vice President, BJP Meghalaya
