A large group of students from Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) today stormed the Planning and Development Authority (PDA) office at Chingmeirong, Imphal, protesting the recent demolition of the historic Manipur Rajbari building in Shillong.

Tension erupted as police personnel deployed at the site tried to prevent the students from entering the office premises. The students, however, braved the police barricade and thronged the office compound, shouting slogans condemning the PDA’s actions.

The protesters locked the gates of the PDA office and raised slogans such as “Long Live Manipur” and “Down Down PDA,” demanding accountability for the demolition of the heritage site.

The Red Land Building, also known as the Manipur Rajbari, was a site of immense historical significance — it was where the Manipur Merger Agreement was signed on September 21, 1949, paving the way for the state’s integration into India on October 15, 1949.

The demolition has triggered widespread outrage across Manipur, with civil society organizations, student bodies, and political groups condemning the act as an attempt to erase a vital part of the state’s history.

In response to growing criticism, the PDA justified the demolition, claiming it was necessary for the “reconstruction/restoration” of the over 80-year-old structure, which had become unsafe due to prolonged neglect and lack of maintenance.

However, many—including the Thadou Students’ Association (TSA)—have rejected the explanation, demanding an independent inquiry, punitive action against those responsible, and an authentic restoration of the Rajbari under qualified heritage experts.

The DMU students have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met, signaling a growing movement for the preservation of Manipur’s cultural and historical heritage.