State Cabinet decides to take over Sana Konung
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 22 2013 : In spite of strong reaction from the titular King of Manipur and the Sana Konung Kanba Lup over the move, the State Cabinet has resolved to take over Sana Konung (Royal Palace) and develop it as a landmark historical monument of the State.

Announcing this to media after the Cabinet meeting today, Spokesperson of the Government and Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro stated that a meeting of the State Cabinet today has decided to take over the Royal Palace so that it can be developed into a landmark historical monument to the whole to know that Manipur was once princely kingdom.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has decided to dismantle all the unruly constructions in and around the palace and to confiscate the entire private households which were once part of the Royal Palace.

The temples of Pakhangba, Yumjao Lairembi and Lainingthou Nongsaba which were once a part and parcel of the Royal Palace would also be renovated.

The decision of the State Cabinet has been taken to make the Royal Palace forever for the people of the State, Minister Okendro added.

State Cabinet decides to take over Sana Konung

The Minister further informed that a house for the titular King of Manipur would be constructed by the State Government just near the Royal Palace soon after taking over the palace by the State.

Even though the Royal Palace would be confiscated by the State, the customary rights of the king would remain undisturbed.

All customary rituals of the State including Mera Hou Chongba which is observed in the State during a year would be held without any disturbance in the Royal Palace to be developed as usual, the Minister noted.

Justifying the decision taken by the State Cabinet, Minister Okendro said that the Royal Palace of Manipur needs to be safeguarded, preserved and developed in the same manner like that of Jaipur and Tripura.

The Minister went on to inform that the State Cabinet has also decided to convert Ramlal Paul Higher Secondary School exclusively for girls and the name would also be changed to Ramlal Paul Girls Higher Secondary School.

The relevant orders in this regard have also been issued today, he disclosed.

The Minister explained that the boy students of Ramlal Paul Higher Secondary School would be shifted to some other Higher Secondary Schools of the State Government.

If they desire they can also get themselves enrolled in Government Model Higher Secondary Schools.

On other resolutions adopted by the State Cabinet in its meeting today, Minister Okendro said that it has been unanimously resolved to provide financial assistance to the flood and landslide affected victims of Uttarakhand by giving up one month's salary of the Congress MLAs and MPs.

In another resolution, the Cabinet has decided to regularize 28 contract employees of Manipur Remote Sensing and Application Centre.

Some of the rules of Manipur Public Service Commission would also be changed in accordance to the rules of Union Public Service Commission, he added.