Salutes paid to Maharaj Narsingh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 11 2025: The 175th death anniversary of Maharaj Narsingh was observed at Kangla today.

Offering floral tributes at the memorial of the then King performing ritual song and offering tarpon at Nungjeng Pukhri (a sacred pond located within Kangla Fort ) were the main features of the death anniversary organised by the State Archaeology Department of Art and Culture.

Personnel of Manipur Rifles also gave a gun salute in honour of Maharaj Narsingh Singh.

Speaking as the chief guest, Special Commissioner of Art and Culture Mongjam Joy prayed for a swift resolution to the crisis besetting Manipur.

He appealed to the people to safeguard the unity and integrity of Manipur which were valiantly protected by Maharaj Narsingh and other Kings from different invasions and wars.

Efforts are underway to promote the palaces of Manipur, including the one at Langthabal, which was built during Maharaj Gambhir Singh's reign as a tourist attraction, Joy continued and added that that they are also working to take up different projects at Kangla and promote the Fort as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Further stating that many people visit Kangla daily, but tourist guides are scarce, he added that the Art and Culture Department should deploy more guides as visitors come from outside Manipur too.

Saying that the Directorate of Art and Culture is facing a staff shortage due to recent retirements, he added that only 10 contractual staff and 7 employees from the State Archaeology Department are managing the Kangla site currently.

Discussions are underway to fill the vacant posts and increase the manpower of the Directorate of Art and Culture, he said and added that there, however, is a recruitment ban in place currently.

Director of Art and Culture K Dinamani and Maharaj Narsingh Memorial Committee president RK Dhiren also attended the programme.

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