CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE IMPHAL: Strong reactions have erupted following the demolition of the historic Manipur Rajbari, also known as the Redlands Building in Shillong, where the Manipur Merger Agreement of 1949 was signed.
Several civil society organisations and political parties have condemned the act as an attempt to erase a vital part of Manipur’s history and demanded an immediate enquiry and reconstruction of the monument in its original architectural form.
The Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS) described the demolition, carried out on October 8, as an act of contempt towards the people of Manipur and the destruction of a living heritage.
In a statement, FOCS said that the Rajbari stood as unshakeable evidence of Manipur’s forced merger into the Indian Union, and its destruction without public knowledge undermined the collective historical identity of the Manipuri people.
It urged the state government, under the Governor’s leadership, to take strict action against officials responsible and ensure that the structure is reconstructed without alteration to honour the sentiments and historical truth of the people.
The Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) also called for the immediate formation of an enquiry committee to investigate the demolition, terming it a serious disregard for Manipur’s history.
Speaking at a press meet in Imphal, HERICOUN secretary Surjitkumar Khuman expressed deep hurt over the destruction of the site where King Bodhachandra was compelled to sign the Merger Agreement on September 21, 1949. He demanded that the authorities clarify the reasons for the demolition and that those involved be punished publicly.
The council also urged that the monument be reconstructed within a specified timeframe following proper heritage preservation norms.
HERICOUN further called for the Rajbari site to be officially handed over to the department concerned of the Manipur government, with personnel appointed for its upkeep, and stressed the need for close monitoring of all Manipuri properties and Bhavans outside the state.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Meitei Alliance expressed “deep shock and grave concern” over the demolition, calling it a “serious disregard for public sentiment and historical responsibility”.
The alliance recalled that in June 2022, the then chief minister had assured that the Rajbari would be renovated while preserving its original structure.
However, it said that the government failed to uphold this commitment, allowing the demolition to occur under President’s Rule without any transparent explanation.
It noted that even as recently as September 10, 2025, members of the Manipuri community in Shillong had submitted a representation to the Arts and Culture commissioner seeking preservation of the site.
The alliance demanded an immediate clarification from the Governor on the circumstances under which the demolition was authorised and executed, as well as public disclosure of the decision-making process, including whether heritage assessments or expert consultations were conducted.
It further urged that any reconstruction must adhere strictly to the original architectural design and that a comprehensive heritage preservation policy be developed to prevent such incidents in the future.
The alliance stated that while the building may be gone, its historical spirit must be honoured, not erased.
Shiv Sena Manipur Pradesh also issued a strong statement condemning the demolition, describing it as a “Second Puya Mei Thaba”, referring to the historical burning of Meetei scriptures, and a fresh wound on the hearts of Manipuris.
The party said that the Rajbari’s destruction in the same month of October, when Manipur’s merger took effect in 1949, evokes painful memories of loss and betrayal.
It criticised both the Manipur and Meghalaya governments for their failure to prevent the demolition, saying the claim of ignorance by Meghalaya authorities was unacceptable.
The party accused the Manipur government of neglecting its duty to protect the state’s historical heritage, especially amid widespread discussions about the structure’s condition.
It demanded that immediate action be taken against those responsible and that the Rajbari be reconstructed exactly as it stood before demolition.
"It is the moral and historical responsibility of the Manipur Government to safeguard all heritage assets and artefacts linked to Manipur’s past, both within and outside the state," the party added.
PDA clarifies on Rajbari demolition, says part of reconstruction project
IMPHAL: Planning and Development Authority (PDA) has clarified that the dismantling of Manipur Rajbari building in Shillong was part of a reconstruction and restoration project approved by the North Eastern Council (NEC), and not an attempt to erase history.
In a statement issued on Saturday, PDA executive engineer-I said that the Rajbari building, believed to be over 80 years old and built prior to 1949, had deteriorated severely due to the absence of major repairs over the decades.
"The wooden structure had become moth-eaten, with damaged rafters and purlins, and was leaking during rains, leaving it in a dilapidated and unsafe condition," it said.
A Detailed Project Report titled “Infrastructure Develop- ment of Heritage Complex, Shillong” was prepared at the request of the Art & Culture department, and approved by NEC in July 2023.
The project’s main component includes the reconstruction and restoration of the Rajbari building.
PDA stated that dismantling of the dilapidated portion began as a precaution, but the rest of the structure was also brought down manually when engineers found it unstable and at risk of collapse.
All dismantled materials, including wooden doors, windows, and wall plates, have been carefully stored for possible reuse.
It further assured that the building’s original architectural design, dimensions, and height will be fully preserved during reconstruction, which aims to extend the structure’s life for future generations. PDA stressed that there was no intention to erase or disrespect the historical value of the Rajbari.
O Joy demands probe, action for demolition of Rajbari
IMPHAL: Former law minister O Joy has demanded a thorough investigation into the demolition of Manipur Rajbari, known as Redland, in Shillong and punishment for those responsible.
In separate letters to Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, O Joy termed the demolition a deliberate act and a conspiracy to erase Manipur’s historical and cultural legacy.
Speaking to media at his residence on Saturday, the veteran politician asserted that Redland was a historical monument of immense significance that should have been preserved and renovated, not destroyed. He asserted that there is no existing law in India that permits the demolition of such a monument.
Despite repeated appeals to halt the demolition, including letters from Manipur Sahitya Parishad Meghalaya to the Meghalaya Governor, and art & culture commissioner and a letter from former MP RK Ranjan, the structure was torn down on October 8.
O Joy said that the Rajbari was not just an old structure but a political landmark, the site where the Merger Agreement was signed, marking Manipur’s integration with India after centuries as an independent kingdom.
He described the act as an attempt to “erase the glory and pride of Manipur” and called it a serious insult to the state’s history.
He also urged the Meghalaya government to restore the site in its original form.
Drawing a parallel with the historic event of Puya Mei Thaba (Burning of the Holy Scriptures), O Joy questioned whether the BJP governments at the Centre and in Manipur were now carrying out a campaign of demolishing royal heritage sites, likening it to a cultural purge.
Recounting the ownership history of the site, O Joy said Redland, constructed around 1930, had long served as the Rajbari of Manipur in Shillong, similar to the Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
Before 1980, it was reportedly sold for Rs 2 lakh to two individuals named Lalu and Pingrope. Later, under the Rishang Keishing government, an attempt was made to recover the land by depositing Rs 10 lakh, though it was unsuccessful.
When he became law minister in 1990, he said, he personally led a delegation to Shillong with the blessing of Lainingthou Sanamahi to reclaim the land. After negotiations with then Meghalaya chief minister BB Lyngdoh, the land was successfully recovered.
However, no further process was taken up until 2021, he said.
O Joy lamented that despite decades of effort to protect the Rajbari, no significant preservation work was un- dertaken.
Calling the demolition deeply unfortunate, he urged both state governments to take immediate steps to restore and safeguard Manipur’s historic properties from further neglect and destruction.
NPP to form high level committee over demolition of Rajbari
IMPHAL: National People's Party (NPP) Manipur State unit, has announced that a high-level committee will be formed to investigate the demolition of the historic Manipur Rajbari in Shillong.
Speaking to media persons at NPP Manipur State office located at Naoremthong on Saturday, NPP Manipur president Yumnam Joykumar Singh stressed that Rajbari is a place of immense historical and sentimental value for the people of Manipur.
He questioned how such a significant structure could have been demolished, demanding an immediate investigation to find the answer and identify those responsible.
He further demanded that the Manipur government must also constitute its own high-level inquiry committee and take immediate action against those responsible for the demolition.
A five-member team including a senior legislature of the party will form a committee and investigate the matter, he added.