Imphal, June 26: In addition to the Iboyaima Shumang Leela shanglen at Palace Compound set to undergo massive renovation works including construction of a new museum block, offices of all shumang leela (courtyard play) parties of the State would be relocated to the said site.

Sharing the forthcoming development to reporters today newly elected president of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council Ph Gunachand also detailed forthcoming development works being envisioned by the Council' new office bearers during its three year term.

Acknowledging that members of the public face severe inconveniences in locating offices of Shumang Leela groups, currently scattered in Paona Bazar area, to schedule plays, Gunachand said to alleviate such problems to some extent decision had been arrived at to shift offices of groups affiliated to the Council to the Palace Compound site.

Noting that prompt shifting process might not be possible at the juncture as there are over 45 affiliated groups involved in the profession, the president never theless maintained that necessary process for the same is on the right track.

Coming to the museum plan, Gunachand expressed that such an enclosure to be set up close to the Shanglen would facilitate orderly storage and documentation concerning origin of court yard play in the context of Manipur, antique scripts/literatures, attires of popular artistes of yesteryears and photographs which could in the long run enable enthusiasts understand and promote the profession.

With the Council's executives determined to cover the rooftop of the present Shumang Leela Shanglen's mandop funding agencies would be approached to contribute to the endeavour, listed Gunachand as an important focus of the new office bearers.

Apparently referring to controversies endured by artistes and groups in the past, the president conveyed of the Council forming an academic panel (council) to assist the Council amicably settle any outstanding dispute.

Comment