In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, the statues of three legendary heroes of Manipur—Maharaja Gambhir Singh, Maharaja Nara Singh and Sana Herachandra—at Canchipur, Langthabal, along National Highway-2, have reportedly been vandalised by unidentified miscreants, with several important parts stolen.
According to reports, the sword and a portion of the right leg of Maharaja Gambhir Singh’s statue are missing, while the swords from the statues of Maharaja Nara Singh and Sana Herachandra have also been stolen. The incident has triggered widespread outrage and deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Manipur.
The incident has caused profound anguish among the people, as the three historical figures hold a special place in Manipur’s history and collective memory. Every year on January 9, people from different walks of life, including government representatives, pay floral tributes to these brave heroes in remembrance of their historic role in liberating Manipur from the seven-year devastation of Chahi Taret Khuntakpa (1819–1826).
Langthabal Assembly Constituency MLA Karam Shyam visited the site and inspected the damaged statues.
Speaking to the media, Karam Shyam strongly condemned the incident, describing it as an insult to the legendary heroes of Manipur and an attack on the sentiments of its people. He said the act appeared to have been committed by individuals acting against the interests of Manipuri society.
He expressed confidence that those responsible would be arrested soon, asserting that they would not escape the law. He also appealed to the people of Manipur to extend their cooperation in identifying the culprits and ensuring that they are brought to justice.
The desecration of the statues has left the people deeply saddened, with the incident being viewed as a painful assault on Manipur’s history, cultural heritage and the memory of its revered heroes.