Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, has written to the Governor of Manipur seeking urgent intervention to prevent the demolition of the historic Redlands House in Shillong, Meghalaya — the site where the Manipur Merger Agreement of 1949 was signed by Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh.
In a letter dated October 8, 2025, Dr. Singh described the Redlands House as “a symbol of Manipur’s sovereignty transition and collective memory,” emphasizing its deep historical and constitutional significance. He warned that any demolition of the building would mean “the irretrievable loss of an invaluable heritage site tied irrevocably to the history of our state.”
The Redlands House, located in the Laitumkhrah area of Shillong, served as the Maharaja of Manipur’s official residence during the pre- and post-Independence era. It was within its red brick walls that Manipur’s merger with India was formalized on September 21, 1949, marking a turning point in the state’s modern history.
According to reports, local authorities in Meghalaya have proposed to dismantle or redevelop the site, prompting widespread concern among Manipuris and heritage advocates. Dr. Singh’s letter calls on the Manipur government to immediately intervene and coordinate with Meghalaya authorities to halt any such move.
“This building is not merely a physical structure; it stands as a living testimony to Manipur’s political evolution and integration into the Indian Union,” Dr. Singh stated.
He recommended that the government undertake renovation and conservation of the Redlands House “in accordance with heritage preservation norms” and urged collaboration between heritage conservation agencies, state archives, and historians to maintain the building’s architectural integrity and historical authenticity.
Dr. Singh also suggested that the site be officially recognized as a protected heritage landmark under appropriate cultural preservation laws.
“The preservation of such historic landmarks is a moral duty to safeguard our collective past for future generations,” he added, noting that the Redlands House deserves restoration so that it continues to serve as “a living memorial to the historic Merger Agreement of 1949 and the vision of our forebears.”
The appeal has resonated strongly in Manipur, where political and civil society groups have long demanded greater protection of heritage sites linked to the state’s monarchy and post-independence transition. Many have called Redlands “the birthplace of Manipur’s modern political identity.”
Officials from the Directorate of Art and Culture, Manipur, have yet to respond publicly to Dr. Singh’s letter, but sources indicate that discussions may soon begin with Meghalaya’s heritage department regarding the site’s future.
