PREPAK for protection of heritage sites
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 17 2012:
On the occasion of the World Heritage Day (April 18), the proscribed PREPAK has called upon all the people to protect heritage sites spread across different parts of the State.
With a view to preserve and protect natural and cultural heritage sites located all over the world, UNESCO, in its 22nd general conference held in November 1983, declared April 18 as the World Heritage Day, the outfit said in a statement issued by its assistant secretary, publicity and propaganda Leibakngakpa Luwang.
Pointing out that the theme of World Heritage Day 2012 is "World Heritage and Sustainable Development, the Role of Local Communities", the outfit asserted that people of Kangleipak need to do what is required to preserve and promote the rich cultural and natural heritage of the land.
Kangleipak abounds with many ancient monuments and heritage sites and Kangla is one of them.
Starting from the pre-historic period to the closing days of period, there are monuments and cultural sites associated with many kings who ruled Kangleipak.
Some of these monuments and historical sites were vandalised or demolished during the Seven Years Devastation (1819-1825) and in the aftermath of Anglo-Kanglei War 1891 .
Until November 19, 2004, Assam Rifles occupied Kangla and embarked on a journey of destruction.
Even as the Government of India selected and submitted a list of 21 sites to the UNESCO for declaring them as world heritage sites, Kangla was conspicuously not included in the list.
Even then people of Kangleipak need not be disheartened.
They should rightfully exercise their rights to preserve and protect their own heritage sites, the outfit asserted.
It also listed a number of historical and heritage sites of Kangleipak which need preservation and protection.
The list included Chibu Nung located at Toniyang village in Churachandpur district, Lungpha monolith located at Phungyar in Ukhrul district, Tharon cave located in Tamenglong district, Kaina hills, the abodes of Marjing located Heingang, Moirang Thangjing, Hiyangthang Lairembi, Thongam Mondum, Nongmajing hills, Koubru hills, Haying Khongbal, Mongbahanba (Mahaballi), the sacrad site of Lainingthou Sanamahi located at Wangoi etc.
The palace of king Gambhir Singh located at Canchipur is still kept under the occupation of security forces who have been systematically destroying the heritage site.
Even as all these heritage sites are closely associated with the past, present and future of the nation, the State Government has not done anything to preserve them sincerely except for some half-hearted activities aimed at hoodwinking the public, it alleged.
On account of such lackadaisical attitude of the Government, Kanglei culture which would be otherwise very much vibrant could not make much progress.
Saying that culture and tradition are held very dear to Kanglei since ancient period, PREPAK asserted that Kanglei people, though very small in number, were able to live as an independent nation state based on unity and coordination because of their devotion to the culture and tradition of the land.
However, at some point of time Kanglei people neglected their traditions and legacy.
It was during this period that the seeds of distrust and communal polarisation between different communities were sown.
It is now time to learn from the past and pay due respects and attention to the culture and tradition of the nation, and embark on a journey of building a progressive nation.
To build a society which has a bright future, it is crucial to preserve and protect all the historical and cultural heritage sites of the land, the outfit added.