CM for decorum in Palace compound
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2013 : Strongly emphasising on protection, maintenance and renovation of historical monuments and sites to uphold Manipur's glorious past, chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has called upon private land owners in Palace Compound to relinquish land ownership for which the Go-vernment will pay adequate compensation.

Attending the inauguration programme of the Internatio-nal Museum Day held today at the Manipur state Museum auditorium as the chief guest, Ibobi stated that protection and maintenance of historical monuments and locations should be accorded top priority in order to persevere and showcase to the world that Manipur was once an independent kingdom.

As a part of the preservation process, ensuring pro- priety in Palace Compound merits effort and contribution from every citizen as the location was the abode of so- vereign Manipur's last ruler Maharaj Bodhchandra, said the CM who also stressed on the need for preserving relics and artifacts which define the history of Manipur.

urging private land owners to contribute in restoring dignity and posterity of palace Compound, he reiterated assurance that land owners would be compensated as per prevailing value.

CM at Manipur state Museum auditorium

Pointing out that no one has the right to infringe or distort historical sites/monuments preservation and con- veying that the Government too has no right to interfere in customary functions of the royal family, the CM nevertheless conceded that the Government often faces embarrassing situation when foreign dignitaries desire to visit palace of Manipur's last ruler for the present-day Palace Compound do not resemble a place of royalties.

Informing that Manipur's rich history and erstwhile existence as an independent nation is appreciably maintained by the British Government compared to many hurdles in precisely compiling the same historical facts here in the State, Ibobi said possessing documents/records on Manipur's history is still a possibility if an individual or organisation approaches the British Government in a formal manner.

Noting that Manipur State Museum needs expansion and renovation works to facilitate proper storage of articles and literatures related to the history of Manipur, Ibobi also revealed Government plan for shifting the adjacent Treasury Office to the new Assembly Secretariat located at near Chingmeirong in order to expand the Museum complex.

Suggesting that State Museum officials display details during which time the articles currently put up belongs to enable both researchers and common visitors understand and appreciate manipur's history, he also desired that guides be provided to disseminate relevant information to the visitors.

Delivering the presidential address, Commissioner (Art & Culture) Dr RK Nimai Singh highlighted that exhibition of rare gold and silver objects of Manipur from this year on would further enrich knowledge of inquisitive visitors.

Emphasising that young students should be encouraged to visit the State Museum to enable them understand detailed history of Manipur, he noted that with the exception of a student team from Senapati district who visited the Museum under a special programme of SSA no student groups from other districts have shown up.

Stating that a section of the Museum would be dedicated for display of musical instruments having historical relevance, RK Nimai expressed that another enclosure for storing cultural items of the hill people would be more meaningful as museums are meant for storing and promoting common cultural heritage.

As a part of the commemorative event, organised by Department of Art and culture, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a 'Temporary Exhibition on Rare Gold and Silver Objects of Manipur State Museum' .