A cleanliness drive led by MLA Heirok assembly constituency Th Radheshyam with participation of youths of BJYM Heirok along with workers of FPMC Khongjom, was carried out at historically significant Tengol Lampak in Khongjom on Sunday.
At the occasion, MLA Radheshyam said Khongjom holds an important place in Manipur. The place is a sacred site where the great leaders laid down their lives during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891. The Tengol Lampak is historically significant as it takes an important role during the Battle of Khongjom. The site had been declared as a ‘protected area’ by the state Archaeological department, government of Manipur, he added.
On August 18, the union minister of state for education and external affairs RK Ranjan visited the site but was disheartened to see its present condition, he said. The union minister had expressed his desire to keep the place cleaned and maintained. The cleanliness drive was carried out today to fulfil his wish, he added. Until the area has been completely cleaned up, the drive will be continued for three days, he said.
He asserted that it is the responsibility of the youths to protect and preserve such important historical sites. He remarked that the present condition of the ground has become shameful as there are signs of neglect at its important spots. He announced that the chief minister, MLA of the assembly constituency and officials of the department concerned would be consulted to keep the site maintained. Mentioning that efforts will be put to keep the area cleaned until the government comes up with an appropriate plan, he appealed to the public and the local clubs to extend their cooperation.
