Imphal, Nov 20 ? Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has finally fulfilled the long cherished dream of the Manipuris with the handing over of historic Kangla fort to the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in a mammoth public function inside the Kangla here on Saturday.
The historic fort with 236.84 acres of land situated at the heart of the Imphal city is the coronation and sacred place of the first known Meitei King, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba in 33 A.D. Kangla, considered the seat of Manipuri culture was occupied by the Assam Rifles since1891 the year princely state Manipur lost her sovereignty in its last of war of independence against the British, till this day.
Concerning the long standing demand of the Manipuris on the withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 from the state, the Prime Minister said that a five member committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge has been constituted for reviewing the Act within six months. He appealed to all youths to come forwards to create a new era of peace and prosperity.
He also stressed the historical importance of the Kangla stating that Manipuris have a sentimental attachment to this fort, from where the Meiteis had ruled before the British conquered this small princely state in 1891. After the British invasion, Indian military units raised by the British were brought into this fort for the first time.
Later, the Assam Rifles, which was raised by the British as an Assam military police force, moved into the fort. The Kangla, the only fort in the country has the requisite criteria to be recognized and declared a World Heritage site, he said. Stating that to preserve this historic site as a national monument and historical site he said that it is equally important that Kangla be properly managed and security ensured.
Speaking on the occasion, Manipur Chief Minister said that the arts and culture department has drawn up a comprehensive project for restoration and beautification of the ancient historical and religious buildings. Professor Nalini Thakur of the National School of Architecture and Planning, New Delhi had been engaged for it at a fee of Rs 13 lakh.
The state government has also enforced Kangla Ordinance 2004 for safeguarding the Kangla. It may be recalled that MM Jacob, the then Union Minister of State for Home had signed with the State Government for shifting of AR from Kangla on August 13 in 1992. For the people of this State, the Kangla is a strategic point for all purposes and is located at the heart of the Imphal city.
From 33 AD till 1891 Kangla Fort was the place from where independent Manipur rulers safeguarded and administered their Kingdom. Earlier, the DG of Assam Rifles had handed over a replica of key of the Kangla to the Chief Minister. Hundreds of thousands of people mostly students greeted a warm welcome to the visiting leaders.