Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: A Meghalaya delegation tracked down the final resting places of three Garo men who fought in the British 69th Garo Labour Company during World War I. The team found the graves at the Pieta Military Cemetery in Malta. Officials confirmed the find on Saturday.
Previously, Khew Marak was the only Garo soldier from the unit known to be buried at the site. He died on June 15, 1918. The new graves belong to Ading Marak and Join Marak, who died June 10, 1918, and Sangjim Sangma, who died June 19, 1918.
Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma led the group. They paid respects to all four men during their visit. "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," Sangma said.
The 69th Garo Labour Company provided critical support to Allied forces. These men handled road construction, maintenance, and supply transport. Their work remains a forgotten piece of local history. This visit followed the delegation's time at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Cape Town.
The team included Deputy Speaker Limison D. Sangma, Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, and Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Marthon J. Sangma. Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma and Deputy Secretary Raja Kharpuri also attended.
Updated at 26th September 2026 at 2:16pm
The High Commission of India in Malta facilitated the delegation's visit to the Pieta site. This help allowed the team to document the records of the Garo soldiers and labourers stationed overseas during the conflict.
Comments