Imphal: A public project for a Manipur Bhavan in Silchar remains a phantom after 18 years of political promises. The government never granted administrative sanction or formal cabinet approval for the facility. Instead, 24 bighas of land once pegged for the site now belong to a sitting Congress MLA. Questions regarding transparency follow the failed project.
Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh claimed his administration intended to build the facility in 2010. He admitted the lack of official paperwork during the process. Ibobi Singh stated, "I had suggested that some ministers accompanying him to Silchar could initially facilitate the purchase of the proposed land through personal financial contributions, with reimbursement to follow after government approval." He identified N. Biren Singh, Kh. Ratan Kumar Singh, N. Loken Singh, and K. Ranjit Singh as those ministers.
Reports indicate the state negotiated a price of Rs. 1.2 crore for the property. Court records from Title Suit No. 94 of 2019 reveal that Congress MLA K. Meghachandra Singh holds the title. His 2022 election affidavit claims he bought the land for Rs. 9 lakh in 2011. The property did not appear in his earlier disclosures, and officials have not explained the vast price gap between the state negotiation and the private purchase.
The All Assam Manipuri Students' Union demanded construction in 2014, citing official land allotment. However, former union president Herajit walked back those claims. In an August 4, 2026, call, he admitted no land was ever officially allotted by the state. The project remains dead on arrival. Citizens still wait for an explanation.
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