5th Kangla Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 20 2009: The 5th Kangla Day was observed today in commemoration of handing over the historic Kangla Fort to the people of Manipur.

After years of public agitation, demanding removal of Assam Rifles from the Fort, Kangla was finally handed over to the people on this day in 2004 .

The then Lt Gen Bhubinder Singh of Assam Rifles handed over a symbolic key of Kangla to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the presence of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during a mammoth public meeting at Kangla on November 20, 2004 .

The function held under the aegis of Kangla Fort Board at Kangla Hall was attended by Governor Gurbachan Jagat as chief guest and Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat as functional president.

Governor Gurbachan Jagat unveiling the face of the Kangla Museum

Giving the key note address of the function, Commissioner of Art and Culture P Bharat observed that Kangla is an important historical place for the people of Manipur.

Subsequent to Assam Rifles handing over Kangla to the people of Manipur, the State Government had issued an official gazette on January 14, 2005 and Kangla Fort Act was passed unanimously by the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Under this Act, Kangla Fort Board has been set up.

Since then, with the suggestions of the experts and historians, the Board in association with various others Department has been taking up various activities to develop Kangla, he said.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Governor Gurbachan noted that the day of handing over Kangla is one day that the people of Manipur would never forget.

''Handing over of Kangla marked the fulfilment of the long cherished desire of the people of Manipur to restore Kangla to its ancient glory'', the Governor said, adding that Kangla is closely related to the tradition, myth and legend of Manipur.

According to Cheitharol Kumbaba, the Royal Chronicle of Manipur, Kangla remained the royal place since the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba who ascended the throne in 33 AD upto the reign of Maharaja Kulachandra in 1981.Mythologically, it was believed that a ruling clan known as 'Khaba' had ruled from Kangla before Pakhangba.

Being a site of political and historical importance, Kangla had grown into a Fort through the centuries.

As a matter of fact, Kangla is synonymous with the political and religious history of Manipur, the Governor observed.

He further said that the State Government has taken up measures for the preservation and development of Kangla Fort after handing over of the same to the people of Manipur by Assam Rifles.

Highlighting some of these measures, the Governor pointed out that out of the total 237.62 acres of land covered by Kangla, 236.64 acres have been declared as protected area under the provisions of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976 and efforts are being made to restore Kangla to its original grandeur with the constitution of Kangla Fort Board.

Soon after the vacation of Kangla by Assam Rifles, the State Government started implementation of the approved Concept Development Plan of Kangla which was prepared by Prof Nalini Thakur in a phased-manner.

A sum of around Rs 15 crores has been estimated for development of Kangla Fort under the said Plan, the Government said while hoping that the implementing Department and all other concerned would pay special attention in order to realise the Concept Development Plan.

He also exhorted all sections of the people to extend their fullest co-operation in this regard.

''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.

In his presidential address, Minister Parijat categorically stated that Kangla is the face of Manipur which also helps in maintaining the climatic condition of Imphal city.

Remembering the day of handing over Kangla would also help the people in understanding the importance of Kangla.

On the occasion of Kangla Day, the Governor also inaugurated Kangla Museum and released a booklet about Kangla.