TSA condemns
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 13 2025: The Thadou Students' Association (TSA) has condemned the demolition of the historic Redlands Building (Manipuri Rajbari) at Shillong, the site where the Merger Agreement was signed.

In a statement, TSA said that the Rajbari was not just a royal residence but also a place where India's sovereignty evolved in the North East, symbolizing the Constitutional and political transition of the region into the Indian framework.

For the Thadou community, the Rajbari holds deep historical and emotional meaning.

TSA said.

It was here that Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh, under house arrest, signed the Merger Agreement on 21st September 1949, despite the efforts of Thadou chiefs who sought to meet him and prevent the merger but were denied access, TSA claimed and added that this defining moment of loyalty and loss remains etched in the collective memory of the Thadou people.

Expressing outrage that the Planning and Development Authority (PDA), which lacks expertise in heritage conservation, carried out the demolition under the pretext of reconstruction, TSA added that such insensitivity toward a monument of National and regional significance is unacceptable.

TSA demanded an independent inquiry, punitive action against the PDA, and authentic restoration of the Rajbari under the guidance of qualified heritage experts.

The Association urged the Government of India, the NEC, and the Manipur Art & Culture Department to declare the Manipuri Rajbari a protected heritage site and recognise it as the symbolic birthplace of India's sovereignty in the North East.

The Wesean High School Student's Forum (WHSF), Kangleipak Branch also condemned the demolition of the historic bungalow.

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