ASI protection mooted for monuments
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2022: National Monument Authority (NMA) Chairman Sh Tarun Vijay has conveyed that five monuments in Manipur will be protected by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) besides recommending 'Holi Festival of Manipur' and 'Manipuris way of worshipping Hindu God in temples' for inclusion under the "Intangible Cultural Heritage" at UNESCO.

Speaking to the media at Hotel Classic Grande, Chingmeirong this afternoon, the NMA Chairman said that he had visited many of the monuments and monumental sites in the State in the last three days and decided to make the Govindaji Temple and Brindavan Chandra Temple in Kangla, Krishna Temple at Bamon Leikai, Langthabal Konung at Manipur University campus and Living Museum at Sekta protected by ASI.

Tarun Vijay who was also a former Parliamentarian opined that the five monuments deserve to be protected in view of their significance.

Reminding that the sole monument in the State which is being protected by ASI is the Bishnu Temple at Bishnupur, he said that more ancient monuments in the State could be protected by ASI under the Central Government's initiative.

Expressing disappointment over the deteriorating condition of the Bishnu Temple in Bishnupur, Tarun Vijay went on to lament that there were also indications of encroachment on 300 meters around the same temple.

Saying that the way of celebrating Holi Festival in Manipur is quite different from the North Indians' way, the NMA Chairman observed that sports is an important part of celebrating the festival.

He continued that the way of worshiping Krishna and Bishnu in the temple of Manipur is also different from the North Indian's way, he added that both the cultural practices in the State will be recommended for inclusion under the Intangible Cultural Heritage tag of UNESCO.

The NMA Chairman also drew the attention of the State Government to protect the important cultural heritage and monumental sites in the State while reminding that the important monuments in the State could be protected under many Central sponsored schemes.

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