Assam Rifles hands over historic Canchipur Hillock to Manipur government

IMPHAL — In a significant gesture underscoring their commitment to peace and cultural preservation, the Assam Rifles on Wednesday formally handed over the historic Canchipur Hillock—also known as Langthabal Hillock—to Manipur’s Department of Art and Culture.

The hillock, located on the southern side of Manipur University campus about 7 km from Imphal, houses the Langthabal Palace complex, once the royal seat of the Manipur kingdom. Established in 1827 by Maharaja Gambhir Singh after the liberation of Manipur from Burmese occupation, the palace served as the state’s capital until 1844. The site also includes the Langthabal temple, a centuries-old shrine dedicated to traditional Meitei deities, believed to have been patronised during the reign of Maharaja Bhagyachandra Singh in the late 18th century.

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Though now in ruins, the temple continues to be a revered symbol of Manipur’s spiritual heritage, with its Mandap and sanctum attracting quiet reverence from visitors and historians.

Spanning more than 22 acres, the palace and temple complex is protected under the Manipur Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1976. For over four decades, the Assam Rifles and the Indian Army maintained a Company Operating Base at the site, ensuring security while safeguarding its cultural legacy.

Acknowledging the hillock’s historical and emotional significance, the state government constructed an alternate post on an adjoining elevation to facilitate the relocation of the Assam Rifles without disrupting regional security operations. The process began on November 30, 2023, with the inauguration of new accommodation for the force.

Wednesday’s ceremonial handover was attended by Assam Rifles officials and troops, along with senior state officials led by the Commissioner of Art and Culture.