Meghalaya— The demolition of the Redlands Building in Shillong, a site of deep historical significance to Manipur, has sparked political and public outcry, prompting calls for accountability and stronger heritage protections.
Rajkumar Imo Singh, Member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly representing Sagolband constituency, has formally appealed to the Governor of Manipur to initiate an urgent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the destruction of the landmark structure, also known as the Manipuri Rajbari.
Constructed in the early 1940s, the Redlands Building once served as the residence of Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh and was the venue for the signing of the Manipur Merger Agreement on September 21, 1949. The agreement marked Manipur’s formal integration into the Indian Union, making the site a cornerstone of Northeast India’s post-independence history.
Despite its cultural and historical importance, the building was recently razed to make way for a new Manipur Bhavan. The move has drawn criticism from heritage activists, former officials, and local residents, many of whom had previously appealed for its preservation.
In his letter to the Governor, Singh outlined four key demands: a comprehensive and impartial probe into the demolition; identification of those responsible for authorizing the act; consideration of reconstructing or memorializing the site in consultation with historians and heritage experts; and the establishment of stronger legal frameworks to protect heritage structures in the future.
“The loss of the Rajbari is not merely physical—it represents a loss of history, memory, and identity,” Singh wrote, urging swift action to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma clarified on October 10 that his government had no role in the demolition. Speaking to the media before departing for Nagaland, Sangma stated that no permission had been granted by the Meghalaya administration and that the matter was handled entirely by the Manipur government. He added that he would personally look into how the demolition was permitted and reaffirmed his commitment to preserving historic sites in the state.
The incident has reignited debate over the need for robust heritage conservation policies in the Northeast, with many calling for greater transparency and public involvement in decisions affecting culturally significant landmarks.
