Kakwa locals appeal
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2024:
Locals of Kakwa Laishram Selungba Leikai have made an earnest appeal to the relevant authorities to help save "Kakwa Lamtaipung" from falling into the hands of encroachers.
Notably, Uttra Sanglen Sana Konung has been making efforts to protect and preserve Kakwa Lamtaipung as a cultural heritage site.
The sacred site also has a close association with the history of Manipur as one of the four historic "pungs" (mounds), namely, Khurai Ahongpung, Kongba Soudongpung and Tera Wangthonbipung.
Locals alleged that during 2016-17, Lamdaibung Social Welfare Club began encroaching in the area of Kakwa Lamtaibung along the national highway and built six shops.
In response, residents of Kakwa Laishram Selungba Leikai and Kakwa Youth Club secretary L Jiten made an appeal to Uttra Sanglen Sana Konung to stop the encroachment.
As Uttra Sanglen considers Kakwa Lamtaipung as a sacred site, it instructed the Imphal East DC to evict the encroachers.
The Imphal East DC in turn informed the Art & Culture Director, who in turn informed the State Archaeology Superintendent and other relevant officials subsequently to gather the necessary revenue records and take up appropriate action.
In order to save the historic site, the locals of Kakwa Laishram Selungba Leikai pooled their funds and filed a petition at Manipur High Court, WP(C) No 19 of 2020, with Laishram Momo, Thiyam Kameshwar and Ningombam Surchandra as petitioners on behalf of the residents.
In November 2020, the locals had also opposed the construction of a Panchayat Ghar at Kakwai Lamtaibung.
An order issued by Imphal East DC on July 26, 2022 had cancelled the "pattas" of encroachers at revenue village 58 of Thongju, Kakwa Lamtaibung and treated the area as "State land" .
However, Lamdaibung Social Welfare Club filed a petition at Manipur High Court, WP(C) No 207 of 2022, to get land allotment at the sacred site without informing the petitioners and allegedly flouting the order issued by the Imphal East DC.
Therefore, locals of Kakwa Laishram Selungba Leikai have urged the people of Manipur to help them save and preserve the sacred and historical site.
Further, they have also appealed to Uttra Sanglen Sana Konung and the State Government to evict the illegal encroachers.