In a significant move highlighting the balance between national security and cultural heritage, the Assam Rifles formally transferred the historic Canchipur Hillock, also known as Langthabal Hillock, to the Art and Culture Department of the Government of Manipur today. The handover ceremony marks the end of over four decades of military presence at the site, paving the way for its restoration as a symbol of Manipur’s rich historical and spiritual legacy.
The hillock houses the Langthabal Palace complex, established in 1827 by Maharaja Gambhir Singh after liberating Manipur from Burmese occupation. Serving as the state capital until 1844, the palace is complemented by the ancient Langthabal Temple, dedicated to traditional Meitei deities and believed to have been patronized during the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra Singh. Although the structures are now in ruins, they remain a revered emblem of Manipur’s cultural identity.
Spanning more than 22 acres, the complex is safeguarded under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976. For over 40 years, the Assam Rifles and Indian Army maintained a Company Operating Base there, ensuring regional security while preserving the site’s heritage.
The transfer was facilitated by the construction of an alternate security post on a nearby elevation, allowing uninterrupted operations. The relocation process gained momentum following an inauguration on November 30, 2024, where former CM N Biren Singh unveiled new infrastructure for Assam Rifles personnel, developed by the Planning and Development Authority of Manipur.
During the 2024 event, organized by the Art and Culture Department at the Langthabal Old Palace, former Chief Minister N Biren Singh highlighted the site’s historical importance. “The State is passing through a difficult time, but at the same time, the relocation of Assam Rifles was also a long-awaited demand for the people of Manipur and the faculties and students of Manipur University as the land holds historical significance,” he said. He noted that Assam Rifles had vacated 10 acres adjacent to the Manipur University campus out of approximately 20 acres occupied, with plans to restore the old structures.
N Biren Singh applauded Major General Ravroop Singh for expediting the process and praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for supporting the relocation. He announced that Rs. 20 crore had been sanctioned for restoration work by the Tourism Department in consultation with the Art and Culture Department, emphasizing the need for expert input. Additionally, a Rs. 40 crore proposal for a modern museum at the Samadhi of Maharaja Gambhir Singh was in progress, with Rs. 10 crore already approved.
The former Chief Minister stressed the importance of maintaining the site: “The Assam Rifles have kept the environment clean and tidy during their occupation, and now being handed over to the people of Manipur, it should be our duty to maintain and preserve the sacred place.” He also called for unity, noting that Assam Rifles are “not the enemy for the people of Manipur, rather they are here for the security and welfare of the people,” and urged cooperation between communities and security forces.
This handover echoes earlier appeals by former CM N Biren Singh. On October 19, 2022, while speaking at a seminar organized by Assam Rifles titled “Future Ready Manipur – Looking Beyond Ethnicity & Insurgency,” he urged the removal of the camp from areas near Manipur University. He reiterated the BJP-led government’s commitment since 2017 to end bandhs and blockades, improve law and order, and bridge gaps between hill and valley communities.
Today’s ceremony was attended by Assam Rifles officials and troops, representatives from the Art and Culture Department, cabinet ministers, MLAs, the Hill Areas Committee Chairman, the Advocate General of Manipur, the Chief Secretary, senior administrative officials, Manipur University faculty and students, and department staff. Highlights included the unveiling of a plaque and traditional rituals at the new site.
The event has been hailed as a tribute to Manipur’s history, traditions, and identity. Assam Rifles reaffirmed their dedication to peace, cultural preservation, and regional harmony, demonstrating that security duties can coexist with respect for the state’s enduring heritage.
Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.