More civil society bodies condemn demolition of historic Red Land Building

Condemnation continues to mount over the demolition of Manipur’s historic Red Land Building in Shillong, with more civil society organisations joining the chorus of outrage. Representatives from the Meitei Pangal Council Manipur (MPCM), Yelhoumi Kanba Lup, Anouba Senmitlon, PALEM, UPACCO, Manipur Peoples’ Front, Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Manipur (IPOM), and World Meitei Organisation (WMO) today jointly denounced the act as an “insult to the people of Manipur.”
Addressing media persons at the Manipur Press Club, Vice President of IPOM, Chandramani Khuman, said the demolition of the historic structure—deeply tied to Manipur’s political history—without consulting the public reflects a grave disregard for the sentiments of the people.
He criticised the Art and Culture Department of the Government of Manipur for its lack of transparency, stating that the department should have informed the public about any developmental works being taken up at the Red Land site in Shillong. “This building is not just a structure—it is a part of our history and identity. Demolishing it without public knowledge or debate is unacceptable,” Chandramani said.
Reacting to the Planning and Development Authority’s (PDA) clarification that a replica of the Red Land Building would be reconstructed using salvaged materials, Chandramani termed the explanation “unsatisfactory and careless.” He said such justifications only add to the people’s anger rather than addressing their concerns.
However, he added that since the building has already been demolished, the PDA must now come forward with a clear plan and timeline for the reconstruction of the new structure. “The implementing agency must announce a specific timeframe for completion of the replica, along with a detailed plan ensuring that the new construction respects the original heritage,” he said.
The participating organisations collectively demanded accountability from the PDA, the implementing agency, and the Department of Art and Culture for what they described as a “historical blunder.” They reiterated that the government must ensure public involvement and transparency in any future decisions concerning heritage structures of Manipur’s political and cultural legacy.