Bodies decry notice against memorial project
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, April 27 2025: Various clubs, civil society organisations and meira paibi groups of Nambol area have jointly appealed to the Forest Department and authorities concerned not to impose restrictions on construction of a statue in honour of Biyash Ningthoujam (25) of Nambol Maibam Chingning, who lost his life in the ethnic violence on May 5, 2023.The appeal was made during a press conference held Sunday at the construction site at Maibam Lotpa Ching.

Speaking to the media, Sun Light Club president Alson Ningthoujam informed that a written application had already been submitted to the Bishnupur DC and the Bishnupur Forest Division seeking permission for the construction.

However, the authorities failed to respond, he said.

Instead, a show cause notice was served on Sunday by the Bishnupur Forest Division to the chairman of the Biyash Ningthoujam Memorial Trust, currently overseeing the statue project, ordering that the construction be stopped within five days.

Describing the move as unfortunate and unacceptable, Alson stated that the statue is being constructed with due approval of the chief and residents of Maibam Kabui Khul village, in honour of the sacrifice made by Biyash for the motherland.

The Club president cautioned that if the restriction is not withdrawn, intense agitation will be launched by local CSOs, clubs and meira paibi groups.

Maibam Kabui Khul village chief Maipak Kabui, who was also present at the media briefing, said the land on which the statue is being built belongs to the Kabui community.

He affirmed that the village has been paying land premium to the Settlement Department since 1964, and as such, there should be no objection to erecting a statue on their own land in memory of someone who laid down his life for the state.

The press meet was attended by members of the Biyash Ningthoujam Memorial Trust, local clubs and organisations from Maibam Chingmang and Maibam Kabui Khul, village elders and meira paibi groups.

Comment