Demolition works started to save Kangla
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 31 2009: Setting the ball rolling towards development of historic and sacred Kangla fort here as a world heritage site, the demolition of the buildings which used to be the Assam Rifles quarters and barracks have begun from today.

On the other hand, deadline has been served for evacuation of the family line of Ist IRB personnel that had been posted inside Kangla for the protection of the fort with the approval of the Kangla Fort Board within 7 am of February 1 .

JCBs at work to clear the way to protect Kangla

The demolition of the buildings of the Assam Rifles quarters and barracks by the Works Department began from today acting on an order issued by the Chief Minister who is also the chairman of the Kangla Fort Board.

Starting from 7 am today, five quarters which were 100 feet long each and the attached barracks have been demolished today along with pressing into service three excavators.

At around 11 am, the Chief Minister came to inspect the progress of the demolition work.

Talking to mediapersons at the occasion, the Chief Minister described Kangla Fort as not just a historical site but also a sacred place and said that development of a such an important place is being taken up for the last few years.

The Chief Minister explained that the quarters and the barracks of the Assam Rifles have to be pulled down as none of the existing buildings which are of no historical importance can be retained in the process of developing Kangla as a world heritage site.

However, the existing barrack on the northern and southern side of the Fort would not be destroyed, he added.

In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that deadline has already been given for evacuation of the Ist IRB personnel who were posted earlier for protection of the Fort and their family members from the family line.

The existing buildings of the family line too have to be demolished.

During his inspection visit, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Works Minister K Ranjit, MLA Bijoy Koijam, MLA I Hemochandra, DGP Y Joykumar and other high ranking police officers.

From Kangla, the Chief Minister and his entourage have also visited Khuman Lampak Sports complex for inspection.

Meanwhile, acting on an order of the Kangla Fort Board, DGP has notified to the Commanding Officer concerned for evacuation of the family line within 7 am of February 1 .