In Manipur, the town of Moirang, nearly 45 kilometres from Imphal, occupies a unique place in India’s freedom struggle. Netaji had stayed in Kelsal Lodge in Oakland and Bidhan Bhavan in Laban. The prevailing debate between development and heritage preservation reflects a deeper tension over how societies define progress and identity. In contrast, heritage embodies collective memory, cultural continuity, and associations that cannot be replicated. Thus, what connects Meghalaya and Manipur is not just Netaji’s presence, but the continuing role of civil society in safeguarding his memory.

Source: The Telegraph January 23, 2026 09:02 UTC