Tura: Meghalaya on Thursday commemorated the 108th Garo Labour Corps Day with solemn ceremonies and cultural programmes in Tura, honouring the brave Garo labourers who volunteered to serve on the battlefields of France during World War I.

The annual observance, organised by the Tura Municipal Board, paid tribute to the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the members of the Garo Labour Corps, who played a crucial logistical role in supporting the Allied forces during the First World War.

The programme brought together government officials, community leaders, students and members of the public, who remembered the contribution of the Garo labourers through floral tributes, cultural performances and speeches highlighting their remarkable legacy.

The occasion also marked the historic return of the surviving members of the Garo Labour Corps to Tura on July 16, 1918, after completing their service overseas. Their homecoming remains a significant chapter in Meghalaya’s history and continues to symbolise resilience, sacrifice and community pride.

Speakers at the event emphasised the importance of preserving the history of the Garo Labour Corps and passing on their inspiring story to future generations. They noted that the annual commemoration serves as a reminder of Meghalaya’s contribution to global history and honours the enduring legacy of the Garo men who served far from home during one of the world’s deadliest conflicts.