ACOAM-Lup submits memorandum to State Govt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 20 2018:
The All Clubs, Organisation, Associations and Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM-Lup), Kangleipak, has submitted a memorandum to the State Government against the construction of historical monuments and replicas without proper excavation works within Kangla.
Speaking to media persons at the association's office at Lamphelpat today, its secretary (organisation) Shanta Nahakpam informed that the memorandum was submitted to the Art & Culture Commissioner through the Superintendent of Archaeology yesterday and added that the memorandum urged the authority concerned to refrain from construction of historical monuments and replicas without proper excavation works inside Kangla.
He said that people are seeing many works concerning preservation, restoration and maintenance work at Kangla, which is a sacred place for the Meiteis but raised question on whether the efforts by the present Government as well as the past Governments, are per the satisfaction of the people of Manipur.
Just recently, there were backlash and condemnation from various quarters in connection with the construction of a structure inside Kangla, he added.
He explained that ACOAM-Lup wishes for the authority concerned to conduct a proper scientific study/survey of Kangla and its surroundings before taking up any works.
It is also necessary to calculate how accurate the new works/restoration etc will be to the original structure, he explained and added that it would also be the right thing to put a detailed description of the said structure upon completion for all to see.
It is reasonable and logical to form a committee comprising of archaeology and history experts for the said works, he added.
Kangla, which has been the capital of the Manipur kingdom, had an area of around 1 square mile in the past and the area has since then gone through many changes throughout history.
He narrated that Kangla was ravaged by the Myanmarese during the time of the seven years devastation (1819-1825) at the time of King Marjit.
Then, during the time of Maharaj Chandrakirti, the British ravaged the sacred place.
On the other hand, there are no records as to how much historical artefacts and monuments etc have been maintained or destroyed during the 113 years of occupation of Kangla by the Assam Rifles, he added.
Shanta continued that ACOAM-Lup has been bringing up the issue of Kangla as the association desires to develop and maintain Kangla as a heritage site and added that ACOAM-Lup is hopeful that the Chief Minister, who is also the Chairman of Kangla Fort Board, will provide any opportunity to discuss the points put forward by the association.