Event deliberates on Rajbari destruction
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, October 22 2025: A consultative meeting chaired by Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director, MAHUD and IPR, was held today at the Mini Conference Hall of City Convention Centre, Imphal to deliberate on the recent events relating to dismantling of the majestic Manipur Rajbari at Shillong and the way forward concerning the historic building.

The meeting witnessed participation from several experts who shared their valuable insights, opinions, and recommendations.

Among those who gave valuable inputs were W Nabakumar, retd Professor; Nepram Gitkumar Singh, president of Manipur Architects Forum; Mutua Bahadur, Director of Mutua Museum; Y Rupachandra, secretary general of Editors' Guild Manipur (EGM); Homen Thangjam, Convenor of INTACH; Asem Bhakta Singh, president of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU); Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, eminent artist; S Tampha Singh from the Institute of Engineers (India), Manipur Centre and Professor N Joykumar Singh, member of Kangla Board.

After detailed deliberations and exchange of ideas, the participating experts suggested three points to the Monitoring and Supervision Committee constituted for the reconstruction and restoration of the historic Manipur Bhavan at Rajbari (Red Land) Building, Shillong.

The recommendations are to bring back the glory of Manipur Rajbari, Shillong through anastylosis (an architectural and archaeological conservation technique that involves reerecting a ruined structure by reassembling its original, fallen pieces, sometimes supplemented with new materials where necessary) or in accordance with the norms, ethics and guidelines of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the UNESCO, to engage reputed professional conservation and preservation experts to prepare complete development plan and to guide the State Government in execution of the work and to engage local experts in the field to interact with and monitor the conservation experts to ensure preservation of historical features, original architectural design, cultural significance, etc.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to safeguard and revive the cultural and historical significance of the Manipur Rajbari, Shillong.

Notably, the Government of Manipur had constituted a Monitoring and Supervision Committee for the reconstruction and restoration of the historic Manipur Rajbari (Red Land) Building, Shillong.

The Committee will be responsible for monitoring and supervision of the work; coordination with stakeholders, ensuring quality and heritage compliance; and ensuring timely execution of the project.

The Committee explained the present scenario of the historic building describing how it was dismantled from September 29, 2025 to October 8, 2025 and how the recovered materials are preserved for reuse.

Valuable advice and suggestions were sought from all the participants on the way forward.

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