Sana Konung Takeover: Govt forms committee to pursue talks
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 23 2013 :
Following continuous protests of Sana Konung Semgat Lup against the State Cabinet's decision to acquire the Sana Konung for development into a historical monument, the State Government has finally formed a high power committee to pursue talks with Sana Konung Semgat Lup on this palace takeover row.
According to a highly placed official source, the committee was formed by the Government after serious deliberations.
The high power committee would be headed by Revenue Minister Th Devendra with MLAs N Biren and T Mangibabu as convenors.
The committee would soon take up necessary steps to begin talks with Sana Konung Semgat Lup.
The Government hopes to settle the matter as soon as possible so that the restoration of the palace to its past grandeur can take place at the earliest through a competent authority.
It may be noted that the State Cabinet has taken the decision to acquire Sana Konung twice and the Deputy Secretary of Art and Culture Department had even written a letter to Sana Konung Semgat Lup expressing the State Government's plan of acquiring about 13 acres of land including the Palace for its renovation and development.
However, the people were enraged by the Government's proposal that the titular king would be accommodated in a structure of sufficient standard within the acquired area on lease for a period of 20/50 years renewable after the period on nominal rent.
Even the meeting of people belonging to both hills and plains had resolved that if the State Government desires to protect, preserve and develop Sana Konung, then it should be done in accordance to the wishes of Chingburoi-Tamburoi without taking over Sana Konung and without forcing the King to vacate his palace; the renovation and development of Sana Konung should be taken up in consultation with the Royal Council of Sana Konung and other various experts; the State Government cannot take over Sana Konung and the King also cannot give away Sana Konung to the Government, the Sana Konung would be protected by the people and the developmental works would begin shortly and if the Government continues to act against the wishes of the people, then various forms of agitations would be launched.
The members of Sana Konung Semgat Lup are even prepared to meet the President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and others if the State Government does not revoke its decision to take over the palace.