Tura, Sept. 30: A decade ago, nine persons lost their lives during rallies at Williamnagar in East Garo Hills and Tura in West Garo Hills while protesting against the government's decision to allegedly bifurcate the Meghalaya Board of School Education.

Today, on the 10th anniversary of the incidents, called "Black Friday", memorial services were held at Williamnagar, Tura and in the rest of Garo hills.

In the twin rallies on September 30, 2005, thousands had gathered at Chandmari playground here and at Rongrenggre playground in Williamnagar to protest against the government's decision to allegedly bifurcate the board, headquartered here.

The protests were declared "unlawful" by both the district administrations, which led to the arrest of Sengrak Marak, who was spearheading the agitation.

Following Sengrak's arrest, the crowd started throwing stones on police personnel and district officials at Chandmari playground.

To control the situation, police resorted to a lathicharge and then tear gas and water cannons. Unable to pacify the mob, the police opened fire on the crowd, killing four persons. In Williamnagar too, the crowd turned violent, and the police fired on the protesters, killing five. Subsequently, a government inquiry blamed the Tura district administration for its failure to control the situation.

In Tura today, the service began around 5.30pm and continued till 8.20pm.

Chairman of the A'chik Evangelical Association Rev. Puhran M. Sangma led the prayer along with Bethel Beauteous D. Marak of Hawakhana Baptist Church.

President of the 30th September Victims Solidarity Forum, Manseng A. Sangma, said the "nine martyrs" deserve to be remembered forever as they made the greatest sacrifice for Garo hills.

Singers Silberth, Wanda and Yoko presented special songs like Nambejok ang'janggi (it is well with my soul) and Nang'sepang ang'isol (nearer my God to thee).

The victims' families lit a torch in both places where the nine persons lost their lives. Later, the crowd gathered at the cenotaphs built in their memory at Williamnagar and Tura to light candles.

Sengrak and Andreas T. Sangma, who spearheaded the protest in 2005, were present.

"Garo hills has always been given step-motherly treatment. We have to unite and fight for the greater cause of the community," said Andreas. On the law and order situation and insurgency in the region, he said, "The state of affairs is a mess."

Sengrak said, "There is so much killing in Garo hills. The people are suffering. We have to unite to resolve the problems and bring about change so that peace prevails."

Both leaders also spoke about the ongoing turmoil over the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council polls and asked the agitating groups to appeal to non-tribals. The groups are opposed to non-tribal participation in the polls scheduled for October 12.

"Sixth Schedule is for protection of indigenous people. The government has failed to listen to the demand of civil organisations, who have raised their voice against non-tribals," said Andreas.