Imphal, April 20: Everything is set ready to honour the President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherji, who is visiting the state on April 23 to inaugurate the Historic Khongjom War Memorial cum Tourist Complex which is being constructed at the site where the last Anglo- Manipuri war was fought. Interesting the Historic war monuments at which the President is visiting the state for inauguration is only half completed.
Imphal Times reporters who went to take stock of the constructions yesterday found only 50% of the structures completed. However, the government staffs and other engaged contractors and labourers were seen working on war footing as the schedule of the President visit for inauguration of the memorial site is only 2 days left.
A highly placed source close to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Manipur said that the President office has been intimated about the present status of the Historic War memorial site. As according to the source the MHA in its report submitted to the Rashtrapati Bhavan stated that the Khongjom War Memorial Complex and the Mega Tourism Centre which the President is invited for inauguration is only 50% completed as on April 19. The report also mention about the incomplete structure of the fencing at Kheba Ching where the Khongjom War memorial statue is erected. Unfortunate for the state but worth knowing is that the report also mentioned that the wall fencing being constructed at Kheba Ching lacks quality maintenance.
Even as the security arrangement of the President’s visit is beef up to ensure full security by the state government the report from the MHA mentioned that the presence of over 1000 labourers engaging for completion of the construction at the memorial complex need to be checked properly.
It may be mentioned that DGP Manipur has been assigned for overall security arrangement of the president’s visit. Besides IGAR (S) and the 57 Mountain division will assist the DGP in assuring full proof security. (see Imphal Times date 17/4/2016) issue)
Mentioned may be made that total cost for construction of the War Memorial Complex is around Rs. 22 core and including the newly constructed Tourism complex the total cost is around 40 crores, official source said.
