Imphal, December 29: Asserting that the SPF Govt is committed to developing Kangla and preserving it, Chief Minister O Ibobi today announced that a project plan of Rs 150 crore for the historic fort has been worked out and the same will be submitted to the Centre to seek financial assistance.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the three day 153rd Bir Tikendrajit birth anniversary at the Bir Tikendrajit Memorial complex at Lamshang today, the Chief Minister admitted that ever since Assam Rifles vacated Kangla, the State Govt has not been able to properly develop the fort.

Stating that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has taken a keen interest in developing and preserving Kangla, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister had himself personally inquired about the condition of the fort.

According to records from the past, Kangla occupies an area of 236 acre, said the Chief Minister and added that presently, the are that passes off as Kangla has shrunk by 16 acres.

The area of Kangla has shrunk due to the erosion of the bank of Imphal river adjacent to Minuthong Hatta, explained the Chief Minister.

To stop further soil erosion, the Government has worked out a plan to put up retaining wall along the river bank.

Coming to the occasion of the day, the Chief Minister said that the SPF Govt has plans to develop the BT Park and renovate Shahid Minar.

On top of this process has been set in motion to develop Hicham Yaichampat to a fitting Samadhi, claimed the Chief Minister and added that towards this, officials of the Town Planning Department have been deputed to Delhi to study the structures of the samadhis of Rajiv Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi.

Recalling the exemplary courage of Bir Tikendrajit, the Chief Minister said that the people of Manipur should be proud that such a prince was born and brought up in Manipur.

�Even if we are not able to live up to all the principles of Bir Tikendrajit, no efforts should be spared to stand by his beliefs and principles,� added the Chief Minister.

Setting to rest all doubt, O Ibobi said that the Govt's plan to take over the Chongabon of the Royal Palace is not a muscle flexing exercise but explained that the take over will be executed under the Historical Monument Act.

The primary reason to take over the Royal Palace is to preserve the historical sites within the Palace, he added.

The rights of the titular king of Manipur will not be violated while taking over the Royal Palace, assured the Chief Minister and added that adequate compensation will be paid.

Moreover the respect accorded to the throne will always remain.

The funds needed for the maintenance and upkeep of the Royal Palace will also be reflected in the annual State Budget and a certain amount of money will be earmarked for this purpose, added Ibobi.

In connection with the day, the Celebration Committee of the Bir Tikendrajit Memorial Trust presented special gifts to 9 personalities.

The nine included mountaineer G Anita, special contractor Th Haridas, Dr Th Brajabidhu of Leirik Memorial Hospital, Dr Kh Palin of Shija Hospitals, Dr Dhaballi of Babina, Agriculture scientist Kh Dhiren, boxing coach L Ibomcha, Olympian Ksh Thoiba and artiste B Jayantakumar Sharma.

Power Minister Gaikhangam presided over today's function while the guests of honour included Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing, Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya, MLAs W Brajabidhu, N Biren and Bijoy Koijam.

Earlier in the day floral tributes were paid at Hicham Yaichampat where a function was also held with Health Minister L Nandakumar and Social Welfare Minister W Leima Devi as chief guest and president respectively.

Chairman of the 153rd Birth Anniversary of Bir Tikendrajit RK Ranendrajit said today is the first time such a function was organised and added that it will be held in the future too.

The theme for this year's observation is �Accept the Challenges to live with Human Dignity,� he added.

A procession was also taken out from Hicham Yaichampat to Kangla Uttara.

153 women from among the processionists then lit up torches and paid floral tributes at the ancestral residence of Tikendrajit and from Kangla the procession went up to BT Park where tributes were again paid.

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