19 archeological sites identified in hill districts for protected status

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 22 : Of all the archeological sites identified for protection under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1976, 19 are located in hill districts.
There are 65 archeological sites identified for protection across the State under the same Act.
The 19 archeological sites located in the hill districts are Megalithic Monument (near Mao Traffic island); Lungpha of Khampi village, Phungyar; Chibu Stone Inscriptions of Tongjang village, Churachandpur; Willong Megalithic Stones of Willong village, Senapati; Pinoumai Tamartuo of Makhel village, Senapati; sacred site of Ebudhou Wangbren, Ebudhou Wangbren’s pond, Ebudhou Wangbren’s monolith and megalithic site located at Anal Khullen, Chandel; Khagemba Laikol of Kharam Pallel village, Kangpokpi; Khangkhui Cave of Khangkhui Khullen village, Ukhrul; Ora Pfuki and Koro Tubvii of Mai; megalithic monuments of Paomata, Purul Atongba and Purul Akutpa of Purul village, Senapati; sacred site of Ebudhou Thangjing, sacred site of Ebudhou Koubru and the Lai Pukhri of Koubru peak.
Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1976 says that any one who causes damages or harms these archeological sites are punishable with imprisonment or fine or both.    
Manipur State Archeology Superintendent K Sashikanta said that preservation and protection of these archeological sites which are closely associated with the history and culture of the land needs people’s participation and cooperation.
He appealed to all the people not to write or paint anything on these monoliths, stone inscriptions and structures.
He further appealed to all the people to cooperate with the authorities when they (authorities) construct walls or fences around archeological sites.
Other sites and structures which are more than 100 years old and closely associated with the history and culture of the land need to be preserved and protected under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act 1976, Sashikanta said.
If these preservation and protection measures are delayed, many archeological sites of historical importance may be lost forever.
At the same time, the archeological sites located in the hill districts need regular attention of authorities, he said.
It will do no good if any site is abandoned after declaring it as an archeological site, he added.