In a bid to restore the legacy of Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur, the Central government is in the process of sanctioning a huge amount of funds, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba announced Friday.
Sanajaoba, who is also the titular king of Manipur, also announced that Sana Konung will be opened to the public every Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm for any suggestions and discussion on matters related to the culture and tradition of Manipur.
The MP was addressing the “76th Laining Ngak-Senba Numit and Malem Paphal Chingkhatpa Numit” observance organised by the All India Kangla Pakhangba Temple Development Society; the Kangla Phamthou 64 Semgat Lup and the Indigenous Youths Association of Kangleipak at Kangla in Imphal.
Hoisting the white colour Pakhangba (a primordial serpentine dragon god in Meitei mythology) emblem flag by the titular king marked the opening ceremony of the occasion.
Narrating the hoisting of flag representing the independent kingdom of Manipur on August 15, 1947 at Kangla by Maharaj Bodhchandra while taking over Manipur from the British rule, Sanajaoba said some vested interest are trying to wrongly interpret the Friday’s flag hoisting as anti-national.
Clarifying that the flag hoisting is a symbol of regaining freedom from British rule, he said, “Such false allegations will tarnish the image of the flag.”
It is not just about flag hoisting, he said and recalled the announcement made by Maharaj Bodhchandra on that specific day which says, “From today onwards, all the ethnics groups can retreat to their original religion and customs without any hesitation. No one will stop you. Untouchable is no more. Can start using Meitei Mayek.”
“The hosting of the flag on that day is what makes Manipur restore its originality and legacy,” he added.
Talking about Kangla, he said having a total of 108 shrines of Meitei’s supreme, the Kangla is considered as one of the biggest and sacred sites in the state.
Stating that the present chief minister gives much emphasis on the development of Kangla, he cited the ongoing restoration work of the Kangla Northern Gate and asked the Centre for funds to develop Kangla under the CM’s leadership.
Talking on the suggestions by experts of lifting the tails of the two Kanglasha statues inside the Kangla, he said the suggestion is genuine and recalled the modification of the lion emblem in the Ashoka Chakra to make it look fierce and the removal of kaba (iron rods) from the mouth of the Kanglasha emblems.
“Lets us unite and share ideas, opinions and views to uplift and preserve the multi-culture of Manipur,” the MP said to the people of Manipur.
The function was also attended by advisor of Kangla Phamthou 64 Ipu Lamyanba Khuman; former minister O Henry; founder of KM Blooming Hr Sec School Khundrakpam Menjor Mangang among others.
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