Original Kangla course call raised
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 02 2011:
In sync with the recommendations made by a panel of Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Kangla Historical Monument Protection Committee, Khurai Sajor Leikai has demanded that the State Government undertake necessary action to restore the original course of Kangla Pat.
Speaking to newspersons at Manipur Press Club today, Protection Committee general secretary Ahanthem Erabot Meetei said Fact Finding Committee on Extension of Kangla Pat, Manipur Legislative Assembly had in 1992 recommended to the then Government of Manipur for preservation of the Kangla Moat.
As per recommendation of the Committee the original course of Kangla Pat (moat) on the eastern side from Minuthong to Pureiromba Khongnang Khong should be preserved by evicting all the occupants in and around the original course of the moat as provided under the provisions of the Historical Monuments Act 1972 .
The Committee also felt it necessary to urge the Government to take action immediately in order to achieve what is recommended by the Committee under the provisions of the Act, said Erabot and quoted recommendations by the Fact Finding Committee.
The Assembly panel is informed to have urged the Government that such a restoration measure will also be in line with the implementation of the beautification programme of Imphal City.
The Assembly panel, according to Erabot comprised of the former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing as the Chairman and former/present MLAs including M Ibotombi, Y Erabot, L chandramani, Ph Parijat, Md Muhamuddin and Y Yaima as Committee Members.
While regretting that successive Governments have failed to implement the recommendations of the Assembly Committee, he said the original course of Kangla Pat on the eastern side covered or stretched from present-day Minuthong, Telipati, Minuthong, Telipati, Soibam Leikai, Nongmeibung Nambam Chuthek, Puleiromba Khongnang Khong and Sanjenthong.
Noting that these areas have all been transformed to residential places and construction of offices, Erabot opined that obstruction to the natural course of the moat built around the historic and sacred Kangla fort will bring misfortune to Manipur and its people.
He also expressed that existence of a swimming pool on the southern side of the Kangla and position of the statue of Jawaharlal Nehru near the western gate of the sacred Kangla are distortion of historical relevant of the place.
Erabot further maintained that washing of clothes and taking bath at the Kangla Moat along with transforming Kekrupat to a place of merriment are in contradiction against the objectives of protecting the sacred Kangla and its moat.
He suggested that proper maintenance of Kangla and Kangla moat would be an attraction to tourists.