Shillong, Oct 15: Members of the Manipuri Elders’ Consortium, Shillong (MECS) and the Shillong Manipuri Students Union (SMSU) on Wednesday staged a protest against the demolition of the historic Manipur Rajbari, also known as the Redlands Bungalow.
The protesters gathered at the site demanded punishment against the officials involved in the demolition of the nearly century-old bungalow at Laitumkhrah in Shillong on October 8.
Reportedly, the demolition was executed under the directives of the Planning and Development Authority, Government of Manipur for ‘renovation’ purposes, in alignment with the development plan proposed by the Department of Art and Culture.
Condemning the demolition, MECS PRO K. Chirom said the demolition was conducted in haste despite repeated appeals made over the past one month to relevant government departments to explore alternatives that would preserve the original structure with minimal damage and maximum care.
The protesters also called for an immediate halt to all ongoing and future construction work on the site until a thorough investigation is conducted and
responsible individuals are held accountable.
Additionally, MECS and SMSU expressed strong objections to the government-formed committee tasked with “monitoring and supervising” the reconstruction of the bungalow. They asserted that individuals responsible for the demolition should not be involved in the restoration process.
Instead, they urged the formation of an independent committee comprising of qualified restoration experts, architects familiar with Anglo-Assamese design, and professionals with knowledge of local climatic and cultural contexts.
The groups also demanded a participatory role in overseeing the restoration as local stakeholders, ensuring that the process respects the historical and cultural integrity of the original structure.
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