Meghalaya Delegation Discovers Graves of World War I Heroes in Malta
Graves of Garo Soldiers Identified
The delegation at the Pieta Military Cemetery in Malta. (Photo:@RachitaBSchule/X)
Shillong, Sept 26: A delegation from Meghalaya has successfully located the graves of three Garo soldiers who served in the British 69th Garo Labour Company during World War I at the Pieta Military Cemetery in Malta.
During their visit, they identified the graves of Ading Marak and Join Marak, both of whom passed away on June 10, 1918, along with Sangjim Sangma, who died on June 19, 1918.
Previously, Khew Marak's grave, who died on June 15, 1918, was thought to be the only known resting place of a Garo member from the 69th Garo Labour Company at this cemetery.
Led by Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, the delegation paid respects to the four Garo men from Meghalaya interred at the Commonwealth-maintained military site.
“We have successfully identified the graves of three Garo men in Malta. They were believed to have assisted the Allies during World War I,” Sangma remarked.
This discovery highlights a lesser-known aspect of Meghalaya’s history and the contributions of its people to the Allied forces during the Great War.
Honoring the fallen, Sangma emphasized the importance of the visit for Meghalaya, as it unveiled the burial sites of Garo men whose sacrifices had largely gone unrecognized.
The 69th Garo Labour Company was one of the labor units recruited from the region to support the Allied war efforts during World War I.
Members of this company were tasked with various responsibilities, including road construction, maintenance, and the transportation of supplies.
The delegation also included Deputy Speaker Limison D Sangma, Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V Lyngdoh, and Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Marthon J Sangma. Additionally, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S Sangma and Deputy Secretary Raja Kharpuri were part of the group.
This visit to Malta was part of the delegation's study tour following their participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, as noted by Thomas.