The palace of the last King should be preserved – O. Ibobi

IMPHAL, May 19 : On the occasion of the International Museum Day, the Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh has appealed for the land area of the last king of Manipur in the palace compound to be well preserved. The place in the palace compound where the last king lived is part of Manipuri history of Manipur, he said.

Speaking at International Museum Day, 2013 held at the Manipur state Museum, Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh said that the palace which is the symbol of Manipur as a kingdom should be preserved under the historical monument Act.

Expressing that the government will not interfere into customary and religious rights of the family of the king and the descendants, he continued that due compensations will be awarded to the pattadars in the area for their properties. He stated that he will look into the matter of shifting of the Imphal Treasury office near Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri to enlarge the existing Museum in view of the role of the museum and its importance.

During the function, the Chief Minister also inaugurated a temporary exhibition displaying precious items of gold and silver of Manipur state Museum. The precious items at the exhibition include a golden hookah used by Churachand Maharaj and Maharani Dhanamanjuri, gold and silver ornaments, dishes and bowls, a golden mask of a human skull found during the excavation of Lamboi Ching of Chingmeirong (Cheiraoching) range, a golden peacock found during the excavation of Kangla, golden jugs found at Sekta and a treasure trove section. The function was presided over by Dr. RK Nimai Art and Culture Commissioner.

It may be mentioned that the observation of the International Meuseum Day was started by International Council of Meuseum (ICOM) on May 18, 1977 with an objective to generate public awareness about the importance of museums. The theme of this year is 'Social change:  Brought from the Ideas of Memory and creativity of mueseums.'