Amaibas, Amaibis join hands to save Palace
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 03 2013: Along with members of Umang Lai Apunba Lup, a large number of Amaibas and Amaibis (Priests and Priestesses) of the State came together to save Sana Konung (Royal Palace) from taking over by the State Government.

With the public movement for saving Sana Konung gaining momentum, another round of meeting was held at Chongabon today where members of Umang Lai Apunba Lup as well as Amaibas and Amaibis from different parts of the State participated.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, Y Meiraba, spokesperson of Umang Lai Apunba Lup, pointed out that the King has been performing all the religious rites and customary rituals of the State at Sana Konung since time immemorial.

Even after Manipur was merged with Indian Union through signing of the Merger Agreement, both the parties have agreed that the King will remain in the Royal Palace and perform all customary rites and rituals without any disturbances.

Amaibas and Amaibis participating in a demonstration against the Government decision of taking over Sana Konung

So, the decision of the State Cabinet to take over Sana Konung is against the terms and condition of the Merger Agreement.

He further pointed out that when Kangla was taken over by the State Government all sorts of prohibitions were placed by the State Government including trespassing inside the sacred Kangla on Thursday which is a day for worshiping Pakhangba.

Likewise, if the Sana Konung is taken over by the State Government would impose certain restrictions and problems will arise in the performance of customary rites and rituals by the King.

As such the decision of the State Cabinet to confiscate the Royal palace should be revoked at once.

He went on to state that the decision of the State Cabinet to take over Sana Konung in the name of protecting and preserving it under the Historical Monument Act is very unfortunate.

If at all the State Government is so serious on preserving all historical places, it should also take over the Governor's Bungalow, which is more than 100 years old, and protect and preserve it under the Historical Monument Act.

While noting the difference between the Royal Palace of Tripura and that of Manipur, Meiraba stated that the Royal Palace of Manipur is a living Palace where the present titular King resides and perform all the rites and rituals as the customary head of the State.