Palace take over plan opposed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 14 2013: Eight different organisations have denounced the State Government's rigid position to take over the royal palace in spite of the vehement opposition raised by a large section of the people.

In continuation of the agitation launched since June 23, a protest demonstration was staged today at the royal palace which was followed by a consultation programme including titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba.

Speaking at the consultation programme, many people accused the State Government of trying to convert the palace into a dead monument.

They maintained that the royal palace is not a monument but a living institution.

The royal palace cannot be separated from the king.

Annual events held at the royal palace since the time Manipur was a kingdom would have been to be stopped if the palace must be developed as a historical monument.

If such customary and religious events, many of which are participated by different ethnic groups of the State, are stopped, Manipur would lose its identity, cautioned the speakers.

Titular King Leishemba addresses

Maintaining that the royal palace cannot be developed as a monument under any circumstances, the speakers warned that massive and sustained agitation of all kinds would be launched in case the Government thinks about bulldozing its way and take over the royal palace.

Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the palace is not all about the building.

Condition of the building cannot determine survival of palace as an institution.

Investing crores of rupees in developing the royal palace as a historical monument would imply transforming a living institution into soulless building.

Development of the royal palace should entail preserving the fundamental characteristic of royal palace being a living institution while allowing the king to perform customary practices inherited from ages, Sanajaoba said.

40 different customary practices are being performed in the royal palace and many of these customary practices are closely related with indigenous communities of Manipur.

When these customary practices are abolished, culture, traditions and history of Manipur would encounter a serious challenge.

All the Maibas and Maibis serving/performing at different sylvan deities (Umang Lai) across Manipur are recognised by the relevant office of the royal palace.

The progenitor of a clan is determined by the royal palace, not the State Cabinet.

A palace is not just a building.

It is an office and a temple combined together.

Saying that he has been offering prayers to Pakhangba Phambal everyday for the welfare of people, Sanajaoba confided that he was disappointed on thinking how he could offer daily prayers to Lord Pakhangba when he is no longer in the palace.

The protest cum consultation programme was attended by members of the Sana Konung Shemgat Lup, Imoinu Keithel, Ima Leimarel Keithel, Phouoibi Keithel, All Manipur Film Producers' Association, Ishei-Mayek Eba Lup, Salai Taret Meira Paibi Lup, Kabrabam Leikai DC YS Uripok and MIKAL.

Sana Konung Shemgat Lup advisor Memma said that whereas Kangla was saved Manipuri people, Kangla Fort Board headed by the Chief Minister is denying common people from accessing the Kangla.

Now Chief Minister O Ibobi is planning to take over the royal palace.

Such attitude of the Chief Minister is highly condemnable, she asserted.