Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10:
Art and Culture Minister Ph Parijat has stated that the decision of the State Government to take over eight historical monuments and sites including Chongabon and Sana Konung (New Palace) is in public interest and the take over would not affect the customs and the tradition of the people in any way.
Talking to media persons at his office chamber this afternoon, Parijat said even after the take over, the titular King of Manipur will remain the customary head of the State.
The efforts being made by the Government is in public interest and taking over these historical monuments would not cause any disturbance to observance of the customary rituals and festivals.
The Minister pointed out that after India got independence, none of the former kings remained in the palaces.
Instead the respective State Govts took over the palaces and developed and preserved them for posterity.
The State Government could not take up the repairing work of the Sana Konung while the titular king is still occupying it because the Government can not invest money on any private properties, he observed.
Stating that the palace of a king is meant for all and the proposition of the Government is to develop the palace, the Minister asserted that the titular king should not have any objection to this.
A separate residential house would also be constructed near the present palace according to the desire of the king, he added.
When asked about his opinion on the objection raised by the titular king, the Minister only said that Imphal East Deputy Commissioner would be sent to find out what the king likes.
When the Government take over the eight historical sites, the affected people would not be re-located in another place, but would be provided monetary compensation, the Minister informed.
On development of Kangla, the Minister informed that the third meeting of Kangla Fort Board would be convened within this month to discuss budgetary allocation for development of the historic fort.