Manipur Rajbari Building Demolition: Manipur Authority Issues Clarification Amidst Outrage
The Planning & Development Authority, Manipur, has issued a clarification regarding the issue of the Rajbari building located at Shillong, which has been in the news and on social media following its dismantling. The authority stated that the action was taken as a necessary step for the building’s eventual reconstruction and historical preservation.
In a clarification dated October 11, 2025, the Executive Engineer-I of the Planning & Development Authority, Manipur, noted that the Rajbari building, which is over 80 years old and stated to have existed prior to 1949, had deteriorated and was in a dilapidated state due to necessary timely repair and major repair not being done.
To address this, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) titled “Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex, Shillong” was prepared at the request of the Art & Culture Department, Government of Manipur. This DPR was submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India, for approval and funding, and the NEC approved the DPR in July 2023.
The clarification explains that the building’s reconstruction/restoration is necessitated by its age and dilapidated condition, with “moth eaten wooden posts, rafters and purlins and leakage of rain” having worsened the structures.
It states that as a first step, the dismantling of a dilapidated part was taken up. However, an apprehension about the remaining part collapsing due to instability and weakness of the structural elements “necessitated and done manually with due care.” The dismantled materials, such as wooden doors, windows, and wall plates, are reportedly being stacked properly for future use.
Crucially, the authority affirmed that “The original architectural design of the building including dimensions of the rooms and its height shall be absolutely maintained during reconstruction.” The statement emphasizes that the reconstruction/restoration is being undertaken for a longer lifespan for future generations, and “There is no intention to erase the historical building.”
The clarification comes amidst widespread shock and outrage from various groups and individuals in Manipur and Meghalaya following the demolition of the historic structure, also known as the Redlands Building, which holds immense significance as the site where the Manipur Merger Agreement was signed in 1949. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has reportedly denied any role of the Meghalaya government in the demolition and assured an inquiry into the incident.