Rally flays Bal Bhavan shift plan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 19: A protest rally was taken out today against the recent Government move to shift Bal Bhavan complex from Khuman Lampak to Takyelpat.

The rally is said to have been organised to highlight alleged inconsiderate attitude of the State Government in shifting the Bal Bhavan to a location in Takyelpat which remains slushy and damp throughout the year.

The protestors, comprising of award winning children, began their march from the Khuman Lampak site of the Bhavan and walked along the Kanglapat Road with the Chief Minister's official bungalow the obvious destination.

However, security personnel prevented the rallyists from proceeding beyond the PWD office point.

Students participate in the protest rally against the Govt decision to relocate Bal Bhavan from Khuman Lampak to Takyelpat

According to a rally participant, there would have been no objection to the Government move in case a suitable site close to the capital city was chosen/allotted as new location for the Bal Bhavan.

However, selection of Takyelpat and absence of basic amenities like a proper building leaves no other option other than take to the street.

Another protestor chipped in by highlighting that in the last 20 years of Bal Bhavan's existence under the State's Social Welfare Department many students availed opportunities to participate in national level competitions in diverse field.

The Bal Bhavan is one of few platform that facilitates talented children explore and compete with their peers in national arena, said the participant.

other than the fact that through the initiatives of Bal Bhavan, Manipur several students have won awards and nation-wide recognition, manipur also has the distinction of being among few States to have produced high number of Balshree award winners, the rallyist mentioned.

Expressing that the Government's hasty approach to the issue is akin to herding out children from their homes, the protestors made a fervent appeal to the Government to be considerate in their attitude and action.