Meghalaya team discovers three World War I graves of Garo soldiers in Malta

The discovery marks a significant expansion of historical records documenting the contribution of Garo soldiers from Meghalaya during the First World War. Until this identification, the grave of Khew Marak, who died on June 15, 1918, was the only known burial site of a Garo member of the 69th Garo Labour Company in Malta.

The Meghalaya delegation's fieldwork at the cemetery has now brought to light two additional graves, providing tangible evidence of the broader participation of Garo men in the conflict. The 69th Garo Labour Company played a crucial role in supporting British war operations during World War I, with members deployed across multiple theaters.

The findings underscore the often-overlooked contributions of indigenous communities from Northeast India to the global conflict. Many Garo men served far from home in difficult conditions, with several losing their lives during the war. The discovery of these graves offers an opportunity for descendants and communities to honor and remember their ancestors' sacrifice.

Historians and heritage organizations have emphasized the importance of documenting such burial sites to ensure that these chapters of shared history are preserved for future generations. The Meghalaya delegation's work contributes to a more complete understanding of the region's World War I legacy.