Mothers’ Union slams DC, WGH for misleading over Cenotaph issue

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 19, 2025

The Mothers’ Union, Tura on Wednesday expressed disappointment over the alleged misleading assurances by Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani regarding the Cenotaph at Lower Babupara, a site of immense historical and emotional significance to the people of Garo Hills.

On March 17, representatives of the Mothers’ Union sought clarification from the Deputy Commissioner regarding the dismantling of the Cenotaph, a memorial honoring the World War II labor corps who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

During the discussion, the Deputy Commissioner categorically stated that there were no plans for a commercial complex at the site and that, instead, the area would be developed into an open public space featuring figurines of notable historical figures.

“However, subsequent findings have revealed a stark contradiction between his verbal assurances and the actual intentions of the administration. The revelation that the project is, in fact, a commercial complex has deeply wounded the sentiments of the local populace,” president of the Union Sabina K Sangma said in a statement.

She said that the confirmation of this information through an RTI response obtained from the Tura Municipal Board, dated 24th February 2025, exposes the discrepancy between the Deputy Commissioner’s statement and the documented plans.

“The deliberate misrepresentation of facts has led to widespread disillusionment among the people, eroding the trust that a public official is expected to uphold. It is unacceptable that the custodian of administrative responsibilities would fail to uphold transparency and accountability in a matter of such historical and cultural importance,” Sangma said.

She further stated that the Cenotaph is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of collective memory, heritage, and the sacrifices made by those who came before us.

“Its dismantling and the surreptitious attempt to convert the space into a commercial establishment reflect a disregard for the sentiments and historical consciousness of the Garo Hills community. The betrayal of public trust by an officer of such stature warrants immediate rectification.”

Further, the Mothers’ Union demanded a formal explanation from the Deputy Commissioner and called upon the government to intervene and safeguard the integrity of the Cenotaph site.

“Any attempt to commercialize this sacred space will be met with firm resistance from the community, whose heritage must not be sacrificed for administrative expediency,” Sangma warned.

“The authorities must initiate immediate corrective measures and engage in a transparent and inclusive dialogue with the people of Garo Hills. The principles of good governance dictate that public officials remain answerable to the people they serve,” she added further.