TURA: The 106th Garo Labour Corps Day was observed in a befitting manner on Tuesday at Lower Babupara in Tura in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district.
The day is observed annually in fond memory of the Garo men who lost their lives as recruits of the 69th Garo Labour Corps during World War I in France and to mark the safe arrival of the members of the Corps on July 16, 1918.
The event was organised by Tura Municipal Board of the West Garo Hills district.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills Dolrich B G Momin, Deputy Superintendent of Police W M Momin, Chairman of Tura Municipal Board J D Sangma, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
Addressing the event as chief guest, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dolrich B G Momin highlighted the significance of the 69th Garo Labour Corps Day and the contribution of Garo men as recruits of the 69th Garo Labour Corps in France during World War I.
During World War I, over 500 Garo men were recruited by the British government in India and sent to the frontlines of the war in France.
As a mark of respect, floral wreaths were laid on the cenotaph of the fallen heroes at Babupara. Besides, a gun salute was also offered by the district police and the 2nd Meghalaya Police Battalion, Goeragre, in honour of the departed souls. A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of the departed souls during the event.
The programme also included a patriotic song performance by students from Harding Theological College.
