Imphal, November 20: The first anniversary of the handing over of Kangla to the people of Manipur by the Prime Minister of India was observed in a solemn occasion today.

On November 20 last year, the DG of Assam Rifles handed over the keys of Kangla to the Chief Minister during a historic function attended by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Presided by Art and Culture Minister Ph Parijat, today's function to mark the completion of one year of handing over Kangla to the people of Manipur was held with Chief Minister O Ibobi as the chief guest while MLA and member of Kangla Fort Board RK Theko attended as the guest of honour.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that Kangla is a sacred site for all the communities residing in Manipur.

It has always been the aspiration and dream of the people of Manipur to have a glimpse of Kangla, which is closely woven with the history of Manipur, said the Chief Minister and recalled that after the British left Manipur, the site was handed over to the Assam Rifles.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh handed over the historic Fort to the people keeping in mind the sentiments and aspirations of the people, he added.

Ever since Kangla was handed to Manipur, the biggest challenge has been to ensure ensuring its preservation, protection and maintenance, said the Chief Minister.

As the Prime Minister himself has taken a keen and personal interest in the upkeep and maintenance of Kangla, the State Government is trying to work out a detailed project report and seek financial assistance from the centre for its preservation, protection and maintenance, informed the Chief Minister.

The detailed project report will seek to protect the present status of Kangla while taking up any development work, said the CM and added that the approach road to the helipad will be cemented and the Western Gate will also be expanded without tarnishing its identity.

The same will also happen to its Southern Gate.

The development of Kangla will take place keeping in mind that aspiration of the people to project an identity that Manipur existed as a sovereign country for centuries, assured the Chief Minister.

It is towards this end that the State Government is trying to take over the palace where the last King of Manipur lived and preserve it without compromising with its basic identity, added the Chief Minister.

The high rise buildings inside the Palace compound will be evicted and due compensation will be paid, he assured.

The Government has no intention to rob the rights of the titular King of Manipur by taking over the Palace, said the Chief Minister.

There will no restrictions to any of the age old rites and rituals performed by the King inside the Palace.

Answering to a query posed by the grandson of Bir Tikendrajit, RK Ranendrajit on Kangla, the Chief Minister said that the Government will discuss the possibilities of taking over Thangapat which forms part of Kangla moat.

RK Theko in his address said that to him Kangla is the history of Manipur, a jewel of the land and a paradise on earth.

The history of Kangla, including its occupation by the British and later by the Assam Rifles is also the history of the people, he observed.

Kangla is also the symbol of Manipur and its source of strength and power, said the MLA and added that it is not only a centre for learning but also the sacred place for all the communities of Manipur.

The MLA appealed to the people to extend their help in preserving and protecting the basic identity of Kangla.

As part of the development and preservation of Kangla the Government will try to take over Thangapat which lies on the eastern side of Imphal River but is a part of Kangla moat, said Art and Culture Minister Ph Parijat.

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