CIRCA comes out strongly against demolition of Rajbari
Explanation of PDA fails to cut ice
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 12 2025: The Coalition for Indigenes' Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur has stated that the demolition of the historically significant Manipuri Rajbari could only be committed by mindless individuals who disregard their own history and lack love for their motherland.

CIRCA, in a statement issued by its secretary general L Lamyanba Meitei, also said that the demolition can also be considered a gift by the President's Rule Government to the people of Manipur.

The demolition of the historic structure where Maharaj Bodhachandra was kept under house arrest at Manipuri Rajbari and forced to sign the Merger Agreement, suggests a deliberate attempt to erase Manipur's distinct political history, it claimed.

Saying that Manipur became a part of India on October 15, 1949, following the signing of the Merger Agreement, CIRCA added that the demolition of the bungalow in the same month Manipur joined India can be perceived as a message from the Government that the State can be bifurcated anytime they wish.

CIRCA further said that the PDA's clarification on the demolition of the historically significant building is not only baseless but also an affront to the people of Manipur.

CIRCA stated that PDA should offer a genuine apology for the demolition of the historic building instead of pulling wool over the eyes of the public.

Do the engineers of the PDA who could not renovate the historically significant Manipuri Rajbari, need to undergo a thorough quality assessment, CIRCA asked.

Saying that the PDA needs to clarify whether they consulted the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the Archaeological Survey of India, or other relevant agencies before demolishing the Manipuri Rajbari, CIRCA insisted that those responsible for the demolition must face penalties.

Highlighting the significance of Manipuri Rajbari which has been demolished, CIRCA stated that Manipur, after its defeat in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, came under British rule and regained independence on August 14, 1947 .

Noting that Manipur established South Asia's first democratic Government with 53 representatives in 1948 after the Manipur State Constitution Act of 1947 was passed, CIRCA stated that the first Assembly session of independent Manipur was convened at the Manipur State Durbar Hall on October 18, 1948 .

CIRCA stated that Manipur had its own political status during that period.

CIRCA alleged that Maharaj Bodhachandra, unfortunately, was coerced into signing the Merger Agreement on September 21, 1949, while under house arrest at the Manipuri Rajbari in Shillong.

Alleging that Maharaja Bodhachandra was placed under house arrest immediately upon arriving at Redlands in Shillong on September 17,1949, CIRCA noted that electricity and telephone lines were cut off in Manipur's capital during this period, rendering communication between Manipur and Redlands impossible.

Not a single telegram from Manipur reached Redlands during that period, CIRCA said and added that Maharaja Bodhachandra endured psychological torture for four days at the Manipuri Rajbari.

CIRCA claimed that Maharaja Bodhachandra even attempted to take his own life by shooting himself before the Merger Agreement was signed on September 21, 1949 .

Manipur joined India on October 15, 1949, reducing a former kingdom with its own distinct political legacy to a Part C State and this marked the forced merger of Manipur with India, CIRCA alleged.

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