Lup calls for protecting Ahongpung site
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 28 2023:
Leihoumee Salai Ahong-pung Thougal Lup has urged the government to protect and restore the sacred site of Ahongpung.
Interacting with media on the occasion of Loutarol Ningshing Thouram of Ima Soubon Yairen Chanu at Khurai Ahongpung site here on Saturday, Thougal Lup president Nandalal An-gomcha said that Ahongpung covered an area of 0.19 acre based on the major survey report of 1960 .
The Manipur Historical, Ancient Monument and Remains Act, 1976 and 1979 states that Ahongpung covers an area of 0.10 acre.
However, the present area of the sacred site has shrunk to 0.0042 acre only after different communities encroached upon the land and constructed temples over the years.
Despite this situation, the government is doing nothing to protect and restore the sacred religious site, he lamented.
He said that pitting the Telis against the indigenous Meetei community over the site is uncalled for, and drew attention of the chief minister and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba to resolve the issue considering the history, civilisation of Manipur and interest of the future generations.