Tangkhul chiefs oppose Palace takeover
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 27 2013: Sharply reacting to the decision of State Cabinet to take over Sana Konung (Royal Palace) and convert it into a historical monument, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL), a body of Tangkhul chiefs, has categorically warned that it would not remain silent over the issue if the decision of the State Cabinet is not revoked.

TNWL is a powerful and influential organistion formed by 227 Tangkhul village chiefs.

Talking to media persons at the residence of KS Raihing, Village Chief of Wunghon under Ukhrul district today, Akhui Zimik, Vice President of TNWL, stated that though a meeting of the organization held on July 25 at Ukhrul district had not taken any solid decision on the specific form of agitation to be launched, it strongly condemned the decision of the State Cabinet to take over the Sana Konung of Manipur by the Government.

So, TNWL would not remain silent over the issue and would take up whatever means necessary to protect the Royal Palace.

"The history and identity of Manipur will cease to exist if Sana Konung is taken over by the State Government, and it would be hard for the future generation to trace them once it is lost", Akhui Zimik asserted.

Akhui Zimik further observed that King of Manipur is the symbol of the identity, culture, tradition and customs of the State.

Understanding this very fact and its importance, even the British had kept the Royal Palace untouched and accorded high regard.

The Indian Government, while acknowledging the rights of the indigenous people, too had given high respect for the Royal palace and the King.

This is a proof even in the Merger Agreement where it has been clearly mentioned that the private property of the King should be made distinct from the public property.

So, the State Government and the general public should understand the importance of the King and his Royal Palace.

He also pointed out that anybody who is rich and powerful cannot become a king.

The decision of the State Cabinet seems to portray the wrong notion that the government can also act as the King. Replying to a query, Akhui Zimik stated that if the decision of the State Cabinet is not revoked, there will be various types of agitations and the State Government should be held responsible for any untoward incident occurring thereof.

The elderly Vice President of TNWL went on to point out that the issue has nothing to do with the hills or the plains, nor has it anything to do with whether the organization is related with King Leishemba Sanajaoba or not.

The stand of TNWL has been made after taking into consideration of the importance of the King of Manipur in relation to the history and identity of the State.

As such, there can be no negotiation or compromise as far the attempt of the State Government to take over Sana Konung is concerned.

Akhui Zimik observed that if at all the State Government is interested in the welfare of its people and it is really in the mood to protect and preserve the Royal Palace, then the King should be made to remain in his Royal Palace to perform his duties.

He also warned that if the State Cabinet does not withdraw its decision, TNWL will not remain silent and will take up various courses of agitations.

What type of agitation to be taken up by the organization will be discussed later on when the time arrives, he added.

While delivering the message of General Secretary of TNWL Dearson Zimik, the village Chief of Kachaophung who failed to turn up on the occasion due to some unavoidable circumstances, Akhui Zimik said that the very fact that King Leishemba Sanajaoba had come to visit Kachaophung village walking on foot for two days in search of his ancestors is a clear indication that he is the King of all the communities settling in the State.

Advisor of TNWL, RS Raihing, who is also the Village Chief of Wunghon, stated that Sana Konung is the only living example that Manipur was once an independent kingdom.

So, taking over the Royal Palace by the State Government will ultimately lead to its destruction.

He further stated that the decision of the State Cabinet is a clear case of betrayal of the seven clans of the Manipuri society.

The decision taken is wrong and it should be withdrawn immediately.

Chingshubam Wangambi, President of Meetei National Front, who was also present on the occasion, said that Manipur has been safeguarded by the people both in the hills and the plains till today.

So, people from both the hills and the plains should come together to save the Royal Palace from being confiscated by the State Government.

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