Shillong, Jan 18: The Research Committee for the Preservation of Garo Cultural Heritage is presently undertaking a comprehensive research and documentation exercise relating to the Garo Labour Corps, who served overseas during the First World War in 1917–1918 as part of the Indian Labour Corps on the Allied Powers’ side.
During the course of research, it has been observed that while the contribution of the Garo Labour Corps is of significant historical importance, the identities, family linkages and descendant details of many members remain inadequately documented due to limitations in available records.
In order to address these gaps, the research committee has issued a public notice inviting cooperation from family members, descendants, village authorities, Nokmas, churches and community organisations to share relevant information, documents, photographs and oral histories.
In the next phase of the research, the committee proposes to undertake field-level verification and authentication of the descendants’ families of the Garo Labour Corps. In this regard, it has sought for the collaboration and support of the district administration of North Garo Hills as essential for facilitating village visits, coordination with Block and Circle Officers, interaction with village authorities, and verification of local records, as deemed appropriate.
The research committee assured that all information collected will be utilised strictly for research, archival preservation and heritage documentation purposes, with due care and sensitivity.
