KWWA decries Palace take over
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 10 2013: Kangleipak Women's Welfare Association (KWWA) has condemned the State Government's decision to take over the Sana Konung for development under the Historical Monument Act.

Taking part in the protest meet held at Sana Konung here today, President of Kangleipak Women's Welfare Association Akoijam Ongbi Memcha Leima said that they would defend the Palace from the clutches of State Government even at the cost of their lives.

The Government's plan to develop Sana Konung as a historical monument is against the customary rights of the people and so the Cabinet decision should be revoked at the earliest, she demanded.

She further said that the King is the Customary Head of the State and he should be regarded by all.

The King cannot be shifted out of the Palace.

The Government should not anything against the interests of the people, Memcha averred.

KWWA decries Palace take over

Citing traditional significance of the King, the President stated that certain rituals like Kwaak Taanba and Lainingthou Sanamahi Cheng Hongba cannot be performed without the King's presence.

Such rituals have been observed in the State since time immemorial, she noted.

Members of Sana Konung Semgat-Sagat Lup and Konung Leikai Meira Paibee Lup also attended in the protest meet cum demonstration.

Meanwhile, Organisation for a Better Society (OBS) has appealed to the state government to take back its decision to convert Sana Konung into a historical monument.

Recalling the public protest following an expert committee's decision to take over an area of 7.179 acres of Sana Konung in 2005, a statement of OBS observed that till today titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba is open for discussion in this regard.

But without taking into account of his consent and against the will of the people, State Cabinet taken a unilateral decision to take control over the Sana Konung and convert it into a museum on 23-06-2013 .

As per the media reports regarding the issues, which is making big news since then, the importance of existing Sana Konung and its role in the society as an highest institution for customary laws has come to light.

So, there is the possibility of another social unrest if the state government stuck to its stand of converting Sana Konung into a monument against the interest of the people, OBS added.