IMPHAL, June 22: The state cabinet has today resolved to acquire the Manipur Royal Palace and its surrounding area covering around 12-13 acres, said government spokesperson and state Education Minister Moirangthem Okendro this evening.
The state cabinet was held this afternoon starting from 3pm presided by the state Chief Minister
Addressing a press conference at his office chamber at the Secretariat North Block soon after the end of the cabinet meeting, the government spokesperson said that the decision was taken as part of the government’s policy for preservation of the Royal Palace which is a landmark structure of the erstwhile Manipuri kingdom.
The cabinet decision was not taken in disrespect of the people of the state or the King, he said.
Earlier, the state cabinet in 2006 had also tried to acquire the Royal Palace and its surrounding area covering around 7.179 acres, the Minister said.
There are structures inside the Royal Palace which was inaugurated by the British in the year 1905 and unless preservation works are undertaken timely, the structures could crumble, the Minister said.
The Minister expressed that today’s cabinet resolution include preservation and safety of all items and structures related to the Royal Palace.
The government will not allow any violation of the King’s customary laws, he said.
There will be no bar on entry of visitors into the palace, even after the acquisition and all religious rituals of the State like the observation of the Mera Haochongba will continue at the palace as in the past, the Minister said.
All historical and valuable structures of Yumjao Lairembi, Nongshaba and Ibudhou Pakhangba will be properly preserved, he said before adding that the cabinet decision has been taken for the people of the state.
He further appealed to all to cooperate in realizing the cabinet’s decision.