Shillong, October 10: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has clarified that the state government had no involvement in the recent demolition of the historic Redlands Building, also known as the Manipuri Rajbari, in Shillong — describing it as a matter under the jurisdiction of the Manipur government.
“As far as information culled through telephonic conversation, it is confirmed that the Meghalaya government is not involved in any way and no permission was given from the Meghalaya government. It is completely a matter dealt with by the Manipur government,” Sangma said before departing for Nagaland.
The Chief Minister further assured that an inquiry would be conducted to ascertain how the demolition took place and under whose authority. He underscored the importance of preserving heritage landmarks, stating, “I have been very particular about it, and I will try to get the official orders and notes. We have been very clear that all these important monuments and historic buildings must be preserved. That’s why I said there has been no action from the government of Meghalaya. I will definitely inquire into it since it happened in my state.”
Built in the 1940s, the Redlands Building held immense historical value as it served as the Shillong residence of Maharaja Bodhachandra of Manipur. It was also the site where the Manipur Merger Agreement was signed on 21 September 1949, marking a defining moment in the state’s history.
Despite repeated appeals from former Union Minister Dr RK Ranjan Singh and several heritage conservation groups to protect the structure, the Redlands Building was demolished to make way for a new Manipur Bhavan. The move has sparked widespread concern over the loss of a vital symbol of Manipur’s cultural and historical heritage.
