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Department:
Information & Public Relations Department
Title: Meghalaya Assembly Delegation Discovers Graves of Three More Garo World War I Labourers in Malta
Press Release Number:
25/09/2026
Description:
The delegation paid homage to four men from Garo Hills who are buried at the Commonwealth-maintained military cemetery in Pieta. Until the visit, the grave of Khew Marak, who died on June 15, 1918, was understood to be the only known grave of a Garo member of the 69th Garo Labour Company at the cemetery.
During the visit, the delegation identified the graves of three other Garo men — 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.
Paying tribute to the fallen, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said the visit was deeply significant for Meghalaya as it brought to light the resting places of Garo men whose contribution and sacrifice had remained largely unknown.
The delegation included Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Shri Limison D. Sangma, Deputy Chief Whip Shri Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, and Chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Shri Marthon J. Sangma
During the visit, the delegation identified the graves of three other Garo men — 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.
Paying tribute to the fallen, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said the visit was deeply significant for Meghalaya as it brought to light the resting places of Garo men whose contribution and sacrifice had remained largely unknown.
The delegation included Hon’ble Deputy Speaker Shri Limison D. Sangma, Deputy Chief Whip Shri Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, and Chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation Shri Marthon J. Sangma
Released Date:
25 Sep 2026
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