Meghalaya Delegation Identifies Three Garo WW1 Graves in Malta

A delegation from Meghalaya has identified the graves of three Garo men who served with the British 69th Garo Labour Company during World War 1 at the Pieta Military Cemetery in Malta, officials said on Saturday.

Until now, the grave of Khew Marak, who died on June 15, 1918, was believed to be the only known resting place of a Garo member of the company at the cemetery.

The delegation, led by Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, paid homage to four Garo men from Meghalaya buried at the Commonwealth-maintained military cemetery. During the visit, it identified the graves of Ading Marak and Join Marak, both of whom died on June 10, 1918, and Sangjim Sangma, who died on June 19, 1918.

"We have successfully identified the graves of three Garo men at Malta. We were made to understand that they came to assist the Allies during World War I," Mr. Sangma said.

The Garo Labour Company was among the labour units recruited from the region during World War 1 to support the Allied war effort. Its members were engaged in tasks such as road construction and maintenance, and the transportation of supplies.

Mr. Sangma described the visit as deeply significant for Meghalaya, saying it brought to light the resting places of Garo men whose contributions and sacrifices had remained largely unknown. The discovery, officials said, highlights a link between the state's history and India's wider contribution to the Allied war effort during the World Wars.

The delegation included Deputy Speaker Limison D Sangma, Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V. Lyngdoh and Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Marthon J. Sangma. Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma and Deputy Secretary Raja Kharpuri also accompanied the delegation.

The Malta visit was part of the delegation's post-conference study tour following its participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.