Plea for protection of historic relics in Dima Hasao

 Special Correspondent

Silchar, Feb 27: Various Dimasa organizations in a joint memorandum to the Prime Minister of India sent through the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar have strongly pleaded for the preservation of the historical heritage site of the last kingdom of the Dimasas at Khaspur, 25 kms from here. The old capital complex has now become a place of anti social elements mainly due to the fact that the archaeological department is not in any way interested to preserve and maintain the historical heritage. In 2007, a project proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Tourism Department for development of the Stone House built by Raja Harishchandra at Maibong for which Rs.10 crore estimate was given.

 This Stone House is linked with a similar stone house found at Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, believed to be constructed by the Pandavas, the forefathers of the Dimasas in Dwapara Yug. Besides, there is also a demand for the construction of a bridge over the river Mahur near the Stone House. The Stone House as one of the wonders of architect and monolithic structure can be developed into a tourist spot of the Dima Hasao district, known not for its scenic beauty and splendour but also historical sites. Unfortutely, not only the Khaspur relics but also the structures associated with Dimasa dysty are in decay.

It is also most unfortute that the crematorium of the great freedom fighter Vir Sambhudhan Phonglo is forcibly encroached upon by anti socials. It was proposed to install a memorial statute at his crematorium by removing any uuthorized encroachment. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Tourism Department have been impressed upon to protect and preserve the heritage and most important the last kingdom of Heremba Kingdom. The memorandum also calls for building a museum at Silchar for the preservation of the historical and cultural heritage of the Dimasas. History says that Raja Krish Chandradwaj raya Hasnusa being a pious man, writer and a reformer was the elder brother of the last Haidimba Dimasa King, Gobinda Chandradwaj raya Hasnusa with his capital at Khaspur. In order to commemorate the history of the land, the plea has also been made for ming the second Barak Bridge under construction in his me. The Dimasa is the aborigil of India since Mahabharata Age who maintained and preserved the Indian culture but due to the twists and turns of time, they are now lagging behind in various ares of development. With the recognition of Vir Sambhudhan Phonglo as a great freedom fighter and martyr by the Modi Government at the Centre and Sonowal Government at Dispur, Dimasa now feel proud and believe their memorandum will get the attention it deserves.