Gaidinliu statue far from ready
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 06 2016: Contra-dicting newspaper reports about Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stating that a statue of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu would be installed soon at Chingmeirong it has been found that the statue is only half done and far from complete due to the department's indifference.

Speaking at the closing function of the 10th Jadonang Memorial Football Tournament on December 4, the Deputy Chief Minister had reportedly stated that a statue dedicated to Rani Gaidinliu would soon be installed at the pre-selected site located between new Civil Secretariat and Manipur High Court complex at Chingmeirong in honour of the renowned freedom fighter who resisted British rule in Manipur.

Enquiries with the implementing institution, Sharma Arts & Crafts House (SACH) located at Khongman Zone-Ill East, revealed that the process of the statue involving constructing the prototype of the statue is barely complete pending final approval of the expert committee set up by the Department of Art & Culture for the project.

Difference of opinions amongst Zeliangrong civil society organizations on the features of Rani Gaidinliu is also stated to be the main reason for the delay in completing the prototype of the statue.

It may be recalled that the implementing institution was awarded the task of making the statue by the Department of Art & Culture on March 20, 2015, and the statue was expected to be completed and installed at the selected site by October 2016 .

SACH functionaries informed this reporter that the size of the statue was increased from ten feet to 13 feet on the advice of the expert committee in the presence of Chief Minister O Ibobi on April 22 earlier this year, along with additional face-lift by fabricating relevant murals depicting the struggle of Rani Gaidinliu against imperial Britain.

The committee therein had also approved in principle supplementary budget for the increase in size of the statue and addition of murals.

The SACH functionaries however said that so far no steps have been initiated by the relevant department for sanctioning the supplementary budget so that the construction and installation of the statue and murals can be achieved as soon as is possible.

SACH functionaries further informed that they had apprised the Chief Minister through a petition on October 26 earlier to expedite the process of availing the necessary funds so that the final casting of the statue in bronze can be completed.

Endeavours to meet the Deputy Chief Minister for approval of the prototype have not been successful so far, SACH functionaries said adding that they have repeatedly appealed to the Zeliangrong civil societies to support the initiative.

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