The United Peoples Front (UPF) and the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) have strongly condemned the reported theft of historical artefacts and vandalism of statues at the Maharaj Gambhir Singh memorial at Langthabal Kunja in Imphal West district, calling for immediate government intervention and stringent action against those responsible.
The UPF condemned the theft of historically significant objects, including the Thang, Thangkhum, Chumgoi, and the pillar bearing Maharaj Gambhir Singh’s sword, from Maharaj Gambhir Singh’s samadhi.
Speaking to the media, UPF president Nongthombam Rupachandra said the incident came to light during an inspection visit by members of the organisation. He urged the government to take immediate steps to recover the stolen artefacts and apprehend those involved in the incident.
He pointed out that the samadhi preserves historical belongings associated with Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Maharaj Nara Singh and Sana Herachandra, personalities who made significant contributions to the history of Manipur. He described the theft as an affront to the historical legacy and collective sentiments of the people of Manipur.
Rupachandra also recalled that the UPF has been observing January 9 every year as National Reconstruction Day to honour the contributions and sacrifices of these great personalities, following the organisation’s seven-year struggle for Manipur.
He announced that the organisation would observe National Reconstruction Day on January 9, 2027, at the same venue to pay tribute to the departed leaders. He appealed to the concerned departments to ensure that the stolen artefacts are recovered before the observance.
The UPF further urged the Manipur Government to take necessary measures to safeguard and preserve historical monuments across the state to prevent similar incidents in the future. It also appealed to the people of Manipur to collectively condemn the theft.
Meanwhile, the Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) has also condemned the reported vandalism of the statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh, Maharaj Nara Singh and Sana Herachandra at the memorial.
In a statement, the MSF said the swords from the statues of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Maharaj Nara Singh had been stolen, while a portion of the right leg of Maharaj Gambhir Singh’s statue was also found missing.
The federation highlighted the memorial’s historical significance, saying the three personalities played important roles in restoring Manipur’s independence after the Seven Years’ Devastation (1819–1826).
The MSF demanded the swift arrest of those responsible and called for strict legal action against the perpetrators.
