Tangkhul chiefs oppose Palace take over plan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 27 2013: Terming the State Cabinet's decision to develop the Royal Palace as a museum and relocate residential place of titular king as an attempt to dilute history of Manipur, Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong (TNWL) as well as village chiefs have demanded that the decision be revoked immediately.

Speaking to mediapersons at Wunghon village near Yaingangpokpi today, village chief KS Raihing cautioned the Government of Manipur against wielding unrestrained power on issues that either concerns history of the land or stands to distort historical facts.

Reminding that history rather than power of money or administrative prerogative is more important to a Nation and its people, Raihing asserted that without preserving the history any quantum of material development would not suffice.

Desiring that every section of the indigenous community should not only voice opposition to the Government plan but also remain united to thwart any move detrimental to the history of Manipur, he opined that without the consent or approval of the land owner all attempts to dislocate the resident will result in serious repercussions.

He also suggested that if the Government of Manipur is serious enough to establish a museum for preserving history of Manipur then a suitable location be identified for the purpose instead of living under the impression that the Government can impose diktats on anybody anytime.

Joining the media briefing, Hongmahn (Khongbal) village chief Akhui Zimik, who is also TNWL president, pointed out existence of the Royal Palace and the titular king symbolises identity, tradition and customary norms practised by Manipuri forefathers.

As customary laws are being protected and preserved by the titular king it must be ensured that titular king remain within the Royal Palace even if the Government proposes renovation of the palace, he expressed.

When Manipur lost its independent status to the British force, the then British ruler acknowledging Manipur as a kingdom established the present Royal Palace and as such there is no justifiable reason why the Government of Manipur should not accord similar respect to the titular king, maintained the village chief.

While Akhui prevailed upon the Government to revoke the Cabinet decision, New Canaan village chief ZS Thomas construed that the recent Cabinet resolution on taking over the Royal Palace and its surrounding areas is also a part of the hidden agenda to wipe out age-old tradition of chieftainship.

Noting that the Royal Palace is the only location for which no tax is paid to the Government thereby symbolising independent status of Manipur, he observed that calls for strengthening fraternal bonds amongst the indigenous communities need to be diverted on preserving history of Manipur and protecting the royal palace.

Meetei National Front president Chingsubam Wangambi Leima, and TNWL general secretary and Kachouphung village chief Dearson Zimik were also present at the media briefing.

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