Cabinet decides to highlight details to titular king
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 11 2013:
The State Cabinet today deliberated on the Government's initiative to acquire land where the royal palace stands and its surrounding areas and send an offer to the titular king highlighting details of the Government's plan.
The Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi deliberated on the Government's initiative to acquire around 12 acres of land from Palace Compound including the royal palace for its renovation and preservation, informed a source.
The Cabinet meeting decided to send an offer to the titular king and engage the Sana Konung Semgat Lup by sending a letter that the Government's intention is bonafide and its sole objective is to restore the old palace to its former glory which would highlight the past grandeur of the kingdom of Manipur.
The sites of development as planned by the Government include temples of Baikun-thanatha, Pakhangba, Nong- shaba and Yumjao Lairembi and also the Durbar Hall.
A structure of appropriate standard with necessary sanggoi (outhouse) with sufficient rooms for the loishangs would be made available to the former Maharaja on a 50 year lease at nominal rate.
The titular king and his party would be allowed access to the old palace on those festivals and rituals he performs every year.
The Cabinet meeting also agreed to constitute a committee with the Chief Minister as chairman and work towards declaring Manipuri language as a classical Indian language.
The committee would make necessary study and write to the Centre to declare Manipuri language as a classical Indian language.
The State Cabinet also endorsed the Chief Minister's authority to decide on disturbed area status of the State for continued imposition or lifting of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act as the case may.
The State Cabinet further gave its consent to sign a tripartite Suspension of Operation agreement involving the Government of India and UTLA (SK Thadou group).
It is reported that the tripartite agreement would be signed on July 17 at Jiribam in Imphal East district.
It also agreed to let SDOs posted in the valley to function as BDOs.
The Cabinet meeting also agreed in principle to set up a super speciality hospital in the State.