Inaugural stone of Khongjom disappears
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, April 26 2016: The plate inscribed on a stone which was specially erected to mark the inauguration of a newly constructed war monument at Khongjom War Memorial complex has disappeared.

Notably, the inaugural stone was unveiled by President Pranab Mukherjee on April 23 .

A team of Khongjom War Memorial Trust led by ex-Minister and BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesman Moirangthem Hemanta inspected the newly constructed structures of the Khongjom War Memorial Complex this morning.

Speaking to media persons after the inspection visit, Hemanta said that another memorial stone unveiled by former President VV Giri on October 21, 1972 has also disappeared.

An FIR would be lodged at the nearest police station apart from informing the matter to the President of India and other relevant authorities, he said.

He also expressed strong reservation against erecting a stone idol of Lord Mahadev in the middle of the trident-like tower built anew at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex.

Installation of Lord Mahadev's idol at the memorial complex of the war heroes is highly objectionable.

Development and beautification works of the war memorial complex was allotted to a few hand-picked contractors without holding open tender, Hemanta said while adding that the Centre sanctioned Rs 28.93 crore for the same works.

He further expressed keen desire for the Tourism Department to open an office at the Khongjom War Memorial complex rather than leaving the complex to its own fate.

Even though Rs four crore meant for construction of a public hall and another Rs three crore meant for construction of tourist lodge had been sanctioned, no construction work has been initiated till date.

The former Minister also visited several places of Wangjing-Tentha AC which have been affected by the recent spat of rainstorms and hailstones.

The team visited Khongjom, Kairembikhok, Sapam, Samaram, Langthabal Khunou, Tekcham, Tentha, Wangjing etc.

He assured the affected villagers that he would urge the Government so that relief materials are provided to them.

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