IMPHAL, June 25: Three days since the Sana Konung Steering Committee formed jointly by the Sana Konung Semgat Lup and several women’s bodies of the state, the committee continued to guard the palace today taking a stand against the June 22 cabinet decision to acquire the palace and its surrounding area. ,
Speaking to media persons AK Janaki, member of the steering committee said the committee condemn the cabinet decision and a memorandum was also already submitted to the Chief Minister prior of the cabinet meeting against any such decision.
In the year 1891 when Manipur came under the rule of the British, the palace was left by the then rulers to safeguard the culture of the land and there was no mention of the government taking over the palace in the Manipur merger agreement signed with India and as such the state government cannot take over it, she continued.
She added that the committee however, welcomes the government’s consideration for the welfare of the Royal palace; but it should revoke its decision to acquire the palace, she added.
In case the government is interested in maintaining the palace than the government should consider maintaining the Palace at Langthabal which is in a bad condition, she said.
The government should withdraw its cabinet decision of June 22, she concluded.