Kangla's sanctity under duress
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 20 2012: One need not be surprised if a major motor disaster takes place inside the Kangla Fort for one of the most sacred complexes in Manipur is being utilised by many as a short-cut to reach to their destinations.

Security forces understandably top the list of the most notorious violators of Kangla's tranquil ambience as their vehicles whizzing from the northern to southern gates and vice versa have become a common sight.

While vehicles speeding through the sprawling complex are always in danger of head-on collisions at the slightest mistake such trespassing is also likely to act as an anti-dote to many water bodies inside Kangla serving as the unofficial natural habitat of many migratory birds.

Even though notice boards are being put up at the three gates of Kangla that vehicles of only VIPs and their security escorts could access the sacred site there is hardly any evidence that the instruction is being followed for vehicles of even ordinary citizens could be seen frequently passing through.

While information has been received about ordinary citizens sometimes managing to deceive security personnel manning the gates by posing as officers the men in uniform themselves conceded that they are reluctant to verify identities of the vehicle occupant on account of possible reprisals.

Security vehicles drive past the Uttra Shanglen inside Kangla

According to some priests/priestesses, vehicles speeding through the water-logged Kangla road often results getting soaked as water are splashed on them during rainy days as water-logging is still a common sight.

They also claimed to have received complaints from devotees about security force personnel canning them in case they delay in clearing the way for the security vehicles.

Moreover, school children also face danger of being crushed/hit by the speeding vehicles even inside the most secured complex for there had been increasing number of student visitors ever since Assam Rifles vacated the place and same was subsequently opened to the public.

In view of the trespassing vehicles expectation of many visitors to enjoy the natural charm and quintessence of Kangla do not materialise with many from far off places compelled to return home in dejection.

Unregulated passage of vehicles through the Kangla is also in sharp contradiction to the Chief Minister's declaration some time back that only the Governor's entourage should be allowed to pass through the area.

When contacted Superintendent (Archaeology) of Art and Culture Department K Dinamani confided to the Sangai Express effective measures by the Kangla Fort Board could check entry of vehicles into Kangla.

While informing that the issue is likely to figure prominently at a Board meeting scheduled in November, he also suggested that permanent barricading of the northern and southern gates might be an effective step to maintain Kangla's sanctity.

Dinamani also opined that unrestrained entry of vehicles through Kangla amounts to undermining effort of various individuals as well as organisations to preserve Kangla's environment through tree plantation activities.

To transform Kangla into an attractive tourist centre, a proposal of Rs 2 crore has been placed to the Government to install sound and light systems inside Kangla, he said while explaining that narration of history of Manipur and forefathers' contribution in maintaining sanctity of Kangla is an integral component of the proposal.

In case the proposal is approved lighting of Kangla complex would also be from solar energy, the Superintendent informed and stated that renovation works are currently on at various sections of the complex .