Kangla renovation under CSS soon: MP Sanajaoba
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 26 2022: Kangla Fort will be renovated while preserving its original structures and values under a centrally sponsored scheme soon, stated Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba.

He was speaking at the 76th Malem Pafal Chingkhatpa Laining Ngak-senba Numit jointly organised by All India Kangla Pakhangba Development Society, Kangla Phamthou 64 Semgat Lup and Indigenous Youth Association of Kangleipak held in Kangla on Friday during which the titular king hoisted the Malem Pafal.

Leishemba Sanajaoba said that there are 108 sacred sites inside Kangla, which was once the palace of Manipur.

The government is taking up initiatives to renovate Kangla while preserving its old structures and values for which the central government would be sanctioning a huge fund soon, he said.

While confiding that chief minister N Biren is committed to renovate Kangla and is even proposing to renovate the sacred site of Ibudhou Pakhangba in its true form, the MP said that the government has also opened the eastern gate of Kangla, which is a praiseworthy initiative.

Regarding hoisting of Malem Pafal in Kangla, the titular king said that after the British left Manipur in the midnight of August 14, 1947; the then king Bodhchandra hoisted the Malem Pafal in Kangla in the morning of August 15, which falls on the 29th day of Meetei lunar month Thawan.

On that day, the king allowed the people of Manipur to follow whatever religion they want or believe by lifting the centuries old restriction on following indigenous religion.

He also denounced discrimination, untouchability, lifted restriction on using indigenous script and indigenous scriptures, and allowed inter-community marriage on that day.

Friday's programme is an observance of the historic day of Manipur, he said.

Leishemba also expressed concern over the unregulated use of 'Khamen Chatpa' costume and said that the design for this particular type of garment is adapted from the coil of Ibudhou Pakhangba and it is used as an award garment.

The colour use in this garment is called Kamu, which resembles the colour of brinjal, and as a result, it is also known as Kamu Chatpa to some sections of the society.

There is a need to preserve such culturally and religiously rich garment by keeping it in its true form and values, he said, while urging all concerned to refrain from producing it in other colours and using it as a fashion garment.

Kangla Phamthou 64 advisor Lamyanba Khuman (Ipu), former minister Okram Henry and KM Blooming Higher Secondary School founder Menjor Mangang also attended the programme.

Utra Shanglen, Sana Konung also observed the day at the Royal Palace with religious rituals on Friday during which the titular king hoisted Malem Pafal.

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