Shillong, Aug 5: The Preservation of Garo Cultural & Heritage Committee has launched a state-wide initiative to identify and document descendant families of Garo Labour Corps personnel who served in the 69th and 84th Companies of the Indian Labour Corps during World War I (1917-1919).
The 28-member committee was constituted in April last year following public outcry over the demolition of the historic Garo Labour Corps cenotaph at Lower Babupara in Tura.
The committee in a press release said the panel will examine archival records, military documents, genealogical data, memorial inscriptions and oral histories to prepare an authentic official register of the Garo Labour Corps. It will also preserve artefacts and publish research on the Corps’ history.
Descendant families have been urged to submit details including the name of the personnel, company, native village, family lineage, and any documents such as photographs, medals, service records or oral histories.
The committee said information will be verified against nominal rolls, casualty registers and other official records before inclusion in the register. The data will be used only for heritage documentation, museum development and educational purposes.
It has sought cooperation from Deputy Commissioners, Nokmas, village authorities, churches, educational institutions and civil society across Meghalaya and neighbouring states to identify families.
