ASI to protect five historical monuments: NMA chief
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 15 2022: Steps would be taken up to protect five historical monuments located at different parts of the state under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), said National Monument Authority (NMA) chairman Tarun Vijay, who was in Imphal on a three day visit.

Interacting with the media at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong on Sunday, Tarun Vijay noted that Manipur has a rich heritage in art and culture and the monuments in the state are the testimony of this fact and stressed that protecting the existing monuments for the future should be the responsibility of the present generation.

He further said that during the three days, they visited Bishnu Temple at Ningthoukhong, Kangla and INA among others, and he felt happy to personally visit these monuments.

Unfortunately, the Bishnu Temple, which is the only ASI protected monument of the state, was found in a sorry state.

Despite the standing instructions for preventing any kind of settlement or constructions within 300 metres of the monument, there are some clear evidences of encroachment in the area, he said, while adding that NMA will take up necessary initiatives to develop the site.

He also described as disheartening that there is only one ASI protected monument in the state despite the numerous structures of historical importance.

As such, NMA will take up necessary steps to identify more monuments to be brought under ASI protected monuments list.

Govindajee Temple at Kangla, Vrindaban Chandra Temple, Krishna Temple of Bamon Leikai, Living Museum of Sekta and Langthabal Palace will be included under the list in the first phase, he said.

The state archaeological department should strive to derive maximum benefits of the increased attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards the northeast and schemes sanctioned by the Centre to develop the historical monuments of the state, Tarun Vijay stressed, while adding that he felt sorry to learn that the state government has not been able to take up necessary steps to develop and protect the monuments that are declared as protected sites by the state archaeological department.

While noting lack of budgetary share could be the prime reason behind this inability, he emphasised the need for coordinating with the Centre to seek necessary funding and assured of all possible assistance from the side of NMA and central government.

The chairman further said that he witnessed a different form of aarti offering in some temples of the state, which are not practiced in other places.

He will recommend for recognition of this practice as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage.

He will also take up necessary steps to include Yaoshang festival in the list considering its unique style of celebration, he added.

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