Imphal, December 23: Chief Minister O Ibobi today informed the Assembly that the State Government was constrained to demolish the 110 years old Pureiromba building and Surana Motors as they were located at the very spot within Palace Compound, where a cultural complex is set to come up.

Replying to a question raised by MLA I Hemochandra during a short duration discussion, the Chief Minister emphatised with the people whose interest may have been hampered due to the demolition drive, but added that it was done so for the collective benefits of the people.

The valley area constitute only 7/8 percent of the total area of Manipur but majority of the population are concentrated in the valley area, said the Chief Minister and explained that in such conditions, it is imperative to keep some land reserved for taking up Govt projects.

The Chief Minister also informed the House that the Centre has agreed to sanction about Rs 4/5 crores for the multi-cultural complex to come up where Surana Motors once stood and added that the planned structure will be along the line of Vigyan Bhawan at New Delhi.

The Centre has also asked the State Govt to forward its project report.

At the moment it is not clear who the real owner of Surana Motors is, said the CM and added that the necessary compensation will be paid once the identity of the owner is established.

Sounding an alarm bell, the CM said that the Chongbon at the Palace Compound is at the stage of crumbling down any moment.

The Govt is committed to preserving this historic site, said the CM and added that steps will also be taken up to give a face lift to memorial sites of General Thangal and Bir Tikendrajit.

A Committee has been set up to preserve the Palace, said the CM.

The Committee will submit a report on whether to relocate the royal family to a new structure of give them the necessary compensation, when the Govt takes over the affairs of maintaining the Palace, added the CM.

Though I Hemochandra acknowledged the work being taken up for the Capitol Project, he nevertheless said the Govt acted arbitrarily in evicting Surana Motors and drew the attention of the CM and the Revenue Minister.

The Court did give the go ahead signal to the Govt to acquire the land of Surana Motors, but did not agree to the proposal to demolish the building, reminded Hemochandra.

The eviction notice issued by the Imphal East DC clearly mentioned against touching any buildings, he added.

Referring to the historical importance of Pureiromba; Hemochandra said that Pureiromba was amongst the venues, where Churachand Maharaj convened the first durbar.

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