IT News
Imphal, Feb 5:
Maheshwar Thounaojam, General Secretary of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), has called for the removal of the Anglo-Kuki War Centenary Gate in Manipur, situated on National Highway-02, Churachandpur District, labeling it as “illegal.”
Maheshwar, addressing the media at his Keishampat residence, asserted that the Kuki communities, allegedly supported by illegal immigrants and militants, are distorting Manipur’s history by spreading misinformation, including false claims about the Meitei community attempting to damage the gate, which commemorates a war that never occurred. He also accused them of attempting to influence Delhi University’s syllabus.
Maheshwar clarified that there is no historical basis for the Anglo-Kuki War, prompting him to file an RTI query with the Public Works Department seeking details on the authorization for the memorial gate.
According to the RTI response, the Public Works Department stated, “No permission or order was granted for the construction of the Anglo-Kuki Centenary Gate located at National Highway-02, Churachandpur District.”
Additionally, the reply indicated that a letter was issued to the Deputy Commissioner, urging the removal of advertisement hoardings, signboards, banners, and statues along the national highway.
Maheshwar urged the Government and relevant authorities to take immediate action in removing the gate, emphasizing its illegality as confirmed by the RTI response. In light of the Public Works Department’s explicit statement denying any permission or order for the construction of the Anglo-Kuki Centenary Gate, he underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law.
He stressed that the presence of the gate, lacking proper authorization, not only distorts historical facts but also undermines the regulatory processes in place. He called for a swift and decisive response from the authorities to rectify this situation and maintain the integrity of public spaces.