The State Cabinet decision on developing Sana Konung (Royal Palace)

Lhaiboineng Kipgen *

Sit-in-protest at Sana Konung against acquisition of Chongabon on 10th Aug 2013 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam

Manipur, the then Kangleipak, was an Independent Princely State since 33 A.D. Lord Nongda Lairen Pakhangba was the ruler of Kangleipak.

The Kangla is the sacred place symbolizing the age-old civilization and unity among different communities of Manipur and the existence of an independence 2000-year-old civilization of Manipur. Historically, traditionally, culturally and aesthetically, ‘Kangla’ is the real place which deserves to be preserved for the posterity of Manipur. The construction of Royal Palace began in 1904 during the British Rule and handed it over to Maharaj Churachand after completion in 1909. The State became independent after the departure of the British and established its own rule with a constitution and elected legislative assembly.

Kangla is a part of Sana Konung which was already now turned into museum.

The current decision was the latest in this regard. It may be recalled that, a process for acquisition of land for the same purpose was initiated in 2004, but after discussion with the Sana Konung Semgat Lup, an MoU was entered into between the State Government and the Lup on 26/2/2006, wherein it was agreed that the process will be suspended until a final agreement was reached between the two parties. After this, there has been no further understanding, and no further steps seem to have been taken from both sides. The position of the State Government on the matter was placed once again recently and informed that any comments on the matter may be conveyed, so that it can be considered by the State Government. The State Government said that for acquisition of land under the Land Acquisition Act, in normal case, there is no discussion with the affected parties but it was taken up in case of acquisition of Sana Konung in view of the MoU signed earlier.

The Manipur Cabinet wants to take over Palace and the surrounding property and convert it into a historical heritage site and tourist attraction. “The government decided to arrange for alternative accommodation for King Sanajaoba”. The government is taking over the Palace to turn the area and preserve royal artifacts in it so that the future generations will know about the glorious past of Manipur. Indeed, another royal residence in Imphal, Kangla Palace, has already being turned into a museum. Manipuri Monarchs who have neither real political power nor authority have struggled in recent decades, have been forced to sell off properties and other assets to survive.

But the Titular King of Manipur and the Sana Konung Kanba Lup have objected to the move and the decision of the State Cabinet to take over Sana Konung (Royal Palace) and develop it as a landmark historical monument of the state.

Announcing the decision of the State Cabinet, Spokesperson of the Government and Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro had stated the decision to take over the Royal Palace was taken so that it can be developed into a landmark historical monument for the whole world to know that Manipur was once Princely Kingdom. Accordingly, the Cabinet has decided to dismantle all the unruly constructions in and around the Palace and to confiscate the entire private households which were once part of the Royal Palace. The temples of Pakhangba, Yumjao Lairembi and Lainingthou Nongsaba which were once a part and parcel of the Royal Place would also be renovated. The decision of the State Cabinet has been taken to make the Royal Palace forever for the people of the State.

The State Government had also made it clear that public fund cannot be utilized for development or restoration of private buildings, and therefore the need for acquisition of the land and the structure arose. The only objective of the State is to restore the Palace and its surrounding to its pristine glory, with reconstruction of the temples for the four indispensable deities, namely Baikunthanath, Pakhangba, Nongshaba and Yumjao Lairembi at their original sites, besides renovating the Palace and the Darbar Hall, and keeping the area under proper care with the original layout of the garden, etc.

The importance of Titular King in various social and religious events is recognized and will continue to do so, and therefore, the Titular King will be accommodated in a structure of sufficient standard within the acquired area, with proper Sanggoi with sufficient rooms to accommodate the various Laishangs on lease for a period of 20/50 years renewable after the period on nominal rent.

It may be mentioned that, under the Land Acquisition Act, acquisition of private land can be made for public purpose and even within Palace Compound, lands have acquired such as for Open Air Theater, All India Radio, Surana Motors, Hapta Kangjeibung, Famiy Line of Telecom and Post Office, etc. in the past.