Imphal, November 20 2009: The fifth Kangla Day to mark five years' completion of the historic event of handing over of Kangla fort to the people of Manipur by Assam Rifles in the presence of Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, was observed today.

State Governor Gurbachan Jagat, who graced the observance function held at Kangla hall this afternoon as chief guest, affirmed that this day in 2004, of handing over of Kangla to the people of Manipur, marked the fulfillment of the long cherished desire of the people of Manipur to restore Kangla to its ancient glory.

"Kangla is closely related to the tradition, myth and legend of Manipur," he said citing the Royal Chronicle of Manipur "Cheitharol Kumbaba", Kangla was the royal palace since the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba who ascended the throne in 33 ad upto the reign of Maharaja Kullachandra in 1891 .

Noting the importance of preservation and development of the fort after handing over of the same to the people by Assam Rifles, the government has taken up various steps.

The entire area of Kangla fort, covering 236.64 acres out of 237.62 acres has been declared as protected area under the provision of the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1976 .

Under the specific provisions of the Kangla Fort Act, sale, lease, letting out, transfer or alienation of land under Kangla Fort in any form whatsoever is prohibited, the Governor observed.

People of the state were happy to acknowledge the efforts of the government to restore Kangla to its original grandeur with the constitution of the Kangla Forth Board.

Soon after the vacation of Kangla by Assam Rifles, the state government started implementation of the approved concept development plan of Kangla prepared bu prof Nalini Thakur in a phased manner.

About Rs 15 crores is estimated for development of Kangla Forth under the said plan, Gurbachan said expressing hope that the implementing department and all others concerned would pay special attention in order to realize the concept development plan.

People will also extend their fullest co-operation in this regard, he added.

He also called upon the people to remain that Manipur is a rich storehouse of culture with distinctive qualities and characteristics, a repository of culture and tradition, life and aspects of all communities inhabiting the state while observing the Kangla Day.

"While respecting our culture and tradition, the people of Manipur need to look forward and work together to bring about a new life of peace, prosperity and dignity," the Governor added.

The observance of fifth Kangla Day to commemorate the handing over of the Kangla to the people of Manipur was held at Kangla hall.

State health and family welfare minister P Parijat presided over the function and commissioner (arts and culture) and member secretary of the Kangla Forth Board, P Bharat attended as guest of honour.

Comment