Palace takeover: 1st round of talks between SKSL and Govt held
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 30 2013 : In a bid to settle the controversial issue over proposed acquisition of Sana Konung and its surrounding areas by State Government for development as historical monument and site, the first round of talks between the representatives of Sana Konung Semgat Lup (SKSL) and High Power Committee formed by the State Government in this regard was held at the office chamber of Revenue Minister Th Devendra at 11 am here today.

The State Government was represented by the Chairman of the High Power Committee Revenue Minister Th Devendra, convenor MLA Nongthombam Biren, member MLA T Mangibabu and Deputy Director of Art and Culture Department Bheigya, while the Sana Konung Semgat Lup was represented by 29 members from both hills and plains including President Ch Gopalmacha, Secretary P Araba, Advisor H Ibotombi Khuman and Advisor Lalchand Chenglei.

During the talks, the State Government admitted to have made a mistake while drafting the letter, which mentioned that the titular King would be accommodated in a structure of sufficient standard within the acquired area, with proper Sanggoi with sufficient rooms to accommodate the various Loishangs on lease for a period of 20/50 years renewable after the period on nominal rent.

The Government representatives appealed to the members of Sana Konung Semgat Lup to forget the mistake and carry on the talks in a positive way.

Responding to the representatives of State Government, the members of SKSL said that Sana Konung cannot be compared to the palaces of Tripura and Mysore.

Those palaces are all dead institutions, but the Royal Palace of Manipur still plays a significant role in administering the customary rights of the people through the King.

The members affirmed their stance to oppose the acquisition of Sana Konung by the State Government.

They also handed over the map, which was given to Maharaja Bodhachandra by the then President of India in 1950, to the High Power Committee.

The official papers and other documents, which barred the State Government from interfering in the affairs of Sana Konung, were also shown to the Government representatives.

The members of SKSL further pressed the High Power Committee to disclose the agendas of the State Government for acquisition of Sana Konung by taking a Cabinet decision twice on June 22 and July 12 .

The first round of talks was just a formal introduction among the representatives.

The State Government has not made any firm stance on the issue.

The second round of talks would be held within a week, a reliable source added.

Comment