Shillong: A Meghalaya delegation led by assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has identified the graves of three Garo men who served with the 69th Garo Labour Company during the First World War at the Pieta Military Cemetery in Malta.The delegation paid homage to four men from Garo Hills buried at the Commonwealth-maintained cemetery. Until the visit, the grave of Khew Marak, who died on June 15, 1918, was believed to be the only known grave of a Garo member of the 69th Garo Labour Company at the cemetery, an assembly statement said.The delegation also identified the graves of Ading Marak, who died on June 10, 1918; Sangjim Sangma, who died on June 19, 1918; and Join Marak, who also died on June 10, 1918.“The discovery provides an important link between Meghalaya’s history and the wider story of India’s contribution to the Allied war effort during the First World War. Men from Garo Hills were recruited into the 69th Garo Labour Company, which supported Allied operations by undertaking essential tasks such as road construction and the transportation of supplies,” the statement said.Paying tribute to the fallen, Sangma described the visit as “deeply significant” for Meghalaya, saying it brought to light the “resting places of Garo men whose contribution and sacrifice had remained largely unknown”.The visit formed part of the delegation’s post-conference study tour after its participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.Facilitated by the High Commission of India in Malta, the visit enabled the delegation to pay respects at the graves and document the presence of Garo soldiers and labourers who served overseas during the First World War.“The discovery of the three additional graves marks a significant moment in preserving and recognizing the wartime history of Garo Hills and Meghalaya, while reaffirming the enduring connection between the state’s history and the global events of the early 20th century,” the assembly said.
