Tura (Meghalaya), Mar 19: The Joint NGOs Forum, along with civil society organizations, senior citizens, and the Mother’s Union, has strongly condemned the demolition of the historic Garo Labour Corps Cenotaph at Lower Babupara, here.
The monument, a symbol of pride and remembrance for the Garo people, was abruptly bulldozed by the Tura Municipal Board. The community views the demolition as an act of administrative insensitivity and historical neglect.
The Mothers’ Union has also accused Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani of misrepresenting facts about the dismantling of the Cenotaph. Chelani had assured the Union that the site would be converted into an open space with figurines of notable figures, but the Union claims this was a lie.
The Joint NGOs Forum has demanded that the Cenotaph be restored to its original form by July 16 and that no alternative structures or commercial development be allowed at the site.
DC Jagdish Chelani has assured stakeholders that construction at the site will be halted, and a review meeting will be held to deliberate on the future of the site. However, the community remains outraged, and the Joint NGOs Forum has vowed to ensure that the historical legacy of the Garo Labour Corps remains intact.
