Shillong, Jan 17: Mr. Cherian G. Momin member secretary research committee preservation of Garo cultural heritage has sent letter to the four Deputy Commissioner in Garo Hills, that is, the DC of South Garo Hills, DC of South West Garo Hills, Dc of North Garo Hills and DC of East Garo Hills District on the issue of public lookout notice and collaboration of District Administration for field verification and authentication of descendants of the Garo Labour Corps 1917-1918.
In the letter sent to the Deputy Commissioner of the four district themember secretary research committee preservation of Garo cultural heritage that he has been entrusted with the responsibility of undertaking a comprehensive research and documentation exercise relating to the Garo Labour Corps, who served overseas during the years 1917–1918 under the Indian Labour Corps as part of India’s contribution to the First World War.
During the course of research, it has been observed that while the contribution and sacrifice of the Garo Labour Corps are of considerable historical importance, the identities, family linkages, and descendant details of many members remain inadequately documented, largely owing to limitations in colonial-era records.
In order to address these gaps, the Research Committee is undertaking focused efforts to reconstruct personal histories and establish verified lineage details for archival preservation, memorial documentation, and heritage recognition.
In this connection, the Research Committee has issued a Public Lookout Notice inviting cooperation from the general public, particularly family members, descendants, village authorities, Nokmas, churches, traditional institutions, and community organisations, to share any available information relating to members of the Garo Labour Corps. Such information may include family names, village details, photographs, letters, certificates, oral histories, or any other material relevant for establishing identity and lineage.
Considering the geographical spread of the Garo population across the East, West, North, South, and South West Garo Hills districts, the assistance and cooperation of the District Administration are essential not only for effective dissemination of the Public Lookout Notice but also for the subsequent phase of field level verification and authentication of the descendants’ families.
In this regard, it is respectfully submitted that during the process of field verification and authentication of the descendants’ families of the Garo Labour Corps, the Research Committee will require active collaboration and facilitation from the District Administration.
Such collaboration may include coordination with Block Development Officers, Circle Officers, and village authorities; facilitation of village visits; and assistance in verification of local records and testimonies, as deemed appropriate.
The Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts are therefore kindly requested to extend necessary cooperation by facilitating wide circulation of the Public Lookout Notice through appropriate administrative channels and by extending administrative support during field verification and authentication activities.
It is clarified that all information collected through this exercise shall be utilised solely for research, archival preservation, and heritage documentation purposes. The Research Committee shall ensure that all submissions are carefully scrutinised and authenticated before being formally recorded, in order to maintain accuracy, transparency, and respect for community sentiments.
The cooperation of the District Administration will greatly contribute towards the successful and timely completion of this important heritage preservation initiative, which holds significant historical and cultural value for the people of the Garo Hills and the State of Meghalaya.
