July 16, 2004

Shillong, June 16, 2004: The 86^th Anniversary of the Garo Labour Corps Day, organised by the Tura Municipal Board (TMB), was celebrated today at the Cenotaph at Lower Babupara, Tura, wherein the Parliamentary Secretary i/c Urban Affairs, etc., and local MLA, Mr. Billykid A Sangma led the gathering in paying tribute to the recruits of the Garo Labour Corps by placing wreaths at the Cenotaph.

Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Mr. Sangma recalled the hard work and dedication of the Garo Labour Corps and said that this day should be celebrated on a larger scale. Expressing his desire to see the development of this region at par with other parts of the country, Mr. Sangma said that in order to see this happen, one must maintain peace at all cost and appealed to the misguided youths to come to the negotiating table so that Garo Hills could once again attain its peace and serenity.

Also speaking on the occasion, the Chief Executive Member GHADC, Mr. E A Sangma, highlighted the ordeals that the Garo recruits had to face on the way to France and back, and urged upon the youths to follow the example of loyalty and sacrifice as shown by their forefathers.

Other highlights of the day include the salutation by the Armed Police personnel, Scouts and Guides and singing of patriotic songs by the students of St. Xavier’s School, Tura.

Coinciding with the recruitment celebration, the flagging off of the Tura Challenge, 2004 rally for the 2-wheelers was held at the Tura Police Parade Ground. Organised by the Motorsports Association of Garo Hills, the rally witnessed the participation of 27 teams, including three from Shillong and from other parts of the State. The rally which will conclude on July 17, aims at promoting motorsports in the region.

It may be mentioned that the Garo Labour Corps was formed in 1917 to assist the British Empire for the Allied Forces in France during the First World War. The Garo labourers worked in full dedication and loyalty and their work was greatly appreciated by the Allied Commanders. As a mark of respect to the recruits who died while on duty in France, a Cenotaph was erected at Lower Babupara where, to this day, the 16th of July, is being observed every year as the Garo Labour Corps Day.

Shillong, June 16, 2004: The office of the Deputy Commissioner, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Service Authority, Meghalaya, Shillong, is organising a Lok Adalat (People’s Court) at Nongpoh on July 31, 2004 in the premises of St. Paul’s Secondary School building from 10:00 A.M. onwards. The Lok Adalat is being organised in order to dispose off long pending cases and provide immediate relief to the litigants in a manner acceptable to them.

Interested parties/claimants who are willing to settle their disputes/motor accidents claims are invited to avail this opportunity.

Shillong, June 16, 2004: The District Planning Officer, Ri Bhoi District, Nongpoh, in collaboration with the State Council of Science Technology and Environment, Meghalaya, Shillong, will organise a District Orientation Workshop on Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA), 2004, on July 29, 2004 at Science Hall, Nongpoh from 10:00 A.M. onwards. The Programme Officer, Mr. C P Syiem and Members of the Regional Organising Committee (ROC), Guwahati, will jointly conduct the workshop, wherein members of the District Organising Committee (DOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) and NGOs will participate.