CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 10 2023:
The historic Kangla Nongpok Thong (eastern gate of Kangla Fort), which was virtually inaugurated by union home minister Amit Shah on December 6 from Moirang in Bishnupur district, has been formally dedicated to the people of Manipur by chief minister N Biren on Tuesday.
The dedication ceremony organised by archaeological department was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba along with cabinet ministers, MLAs, various high-ranking officials and locals.
Speaking as chief guest of the event, chief minister N Biren pointed out that the Kangla Nongpok Thong is one of the 21 projects inaugurated by Amit Shah during his visit to the state last week.
He said that it is a moment of great pride and honour that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has bestowed such concern and recognition to a small state like Manipur on reopening of the Nongpok Thong by tweeting "May the spirit of peace, prosperity and happiness be enhanced across the state".
While dedicating the Kangla Nongpok Thong to the public, the chief minister also informed that the Kangla Nongchup Thong (western gate) will be closed henceforth.
He explained that according to Meetei's beliefs, the western gate is regarded as the gate of the dead and it is an omen to enter through the western gate or door.
Considering the welfare of the Manipuri society, the state government in consultation with various experts and scholars of Manipur initiated the construction of the Kangla eastern gate and to close the Kangla Western gate forever.
"Therefore, from today onwards, since the eastern gate has been opened for the public, the Western Gate will remain closed for all time".
CM Biren, while recalling some of the initiatives taken up by the government to safeguard the historical Kangla Fort, said that the government taking into account of the feedback and suggestions of various experts took off the prop from the mouth of the Kangla Sha installed inside the Kangla Fort.
There were diverse reactions from various sections of people regarding the rods used in the mouths of Kangla Sha, he acknowledged adding that it took over three years for the government to reconstruct the structure.
He also expressed discontent pent over the manner in which certain groups of people and individuals are trying to distort the 2000-year-old history of Manipur in their own self-interest.
"The government respects every religion and is working to bring peace in the state where different communities live and follow different religions" .
The chief minister further stated that following the re-opening, the Nongpok Thong will be manned by IRB personnel.
He also said that the area adjacent to the eastern gate will be developed so as to give a unique sense of appeal to the historic Kangla.
Biren continued that the approach road to the gate will be upgraded to a double lane road soon for which dismantling of structures encroaching public area has been started.
He lauded the efforts of the engineers and officials of MPHC for completing the project on time.
It may be mentioned that the Nongpok Thong was constructed through Imphal Smart City Limited (ISCL) as the Funding Agency and Manipur Police Housing.
Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd) as the Work Agency.
The dedication ceremony was marked by conduct of rituals and fanfares.
With the belief of a prophecy that there will be a feeling of oneness, peace, harmony, and prosperity in the state the eastern gate of Kangla is opened, a pair of geese were made to cross the bridge as an inaugural ceremony, amidst prayers led by the chief minister.
For the people of Manipur, Kangla is one of the important sites of historical and Archaeological values, being identified as the site of the old palace and for tress of erstwhile princely Manipur (state) since 33 AD up to Maharaj Kulachandra in 1891.The entire area of the Kangla, including the outer moat measuring 236.84 acres was declared as protected by the State Government in 1992 under the provision of "The Manipur Ancient & Historical Monument & Archaeological Sites & Remains Act 1976" .
The area in its totality is also generally referred to as Kangla Fort.
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