“Meghalaya govt gave no permission”: Conrad Sangma on demolition of Manipuri Rajbari

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma clarified that the Meghalaya government had no role in the recent demolition of the historic Redlands Building (Manipuri Rajbari) in Shillong, calling it a matter under the jurisdiction of the Manipur government.

Speaking to the media before leaving for Nagaland via road, Sangma said, “As far as information culled through telephonic conversation, it is confirmed that the Meghalaya government is not involved in any way and no permission was given from the Meghalaya government. It is completely a matter dealt with by the Manipur government.”

He also assured that an inquiry would be conducted to determine how the demolition occurred, emphasising the significance of protecting heritage sites.“I have been very particular about it, and I will try to get the official orders and notes. We have been very clear that all these important monuments and historic buildings must be preserved. That’s why I said there has been no action from the government of Meghalaya. I will definitely inquire into it since it happened in my state,” Sangma added.

The Redlands Building, constructed in the 1940s, served as the residence of Maharaja Bodhachandra during his stays in Shillong and is historically significant as the site where the Manipur Merger Agreement was signed on September 21, 1949.

Despite repeated appeals from former Union Minister Dr RK Ranjan and heritage groups to preserve the structure, it was demolished to make way for a new Manipur Bhavan. The demolition has raised concerns about the loss of a crucial piece of Manipur’s history.