Imphal: The titular king of Indias north-eastern state of Manipur is on hunger strike, aides say, in protest against the state governments decision to evict him from his ancestral palace.

Aides to King Leishemba Sanajaoba say the decision was taken without his consent.

They say it is in violation of a 2006 agreement between the once powerful royal family and the state government.

The authorities say they want to take over the palace and surrounding land to develop it as a heritage site.

King Sanajaoba began his fast on Monday, two days after the Manipur cabinet decided to take over the Sana Konung palace in the state capital, Imphal.

“The king feels betrayed because the government is violating a 2006 memorandum between the two that clearly said no decision would be taken about the palace without his consent,” said his adviser Puyam Tomcha.

State officials say they want to renovate the palace and turn it into a tourist attraction.

“The government will arrange for alternative accommodation for King Sanajaoba,” a spokesman said.

“We are taking over the palace to turn it around and preserve royal artefacts in it so that the future generations will know about the glorious past of Manipur.”

Another big palace in Imphal – the Kangla palace – is being turned into a museum.
“Relive the olden times”

The government argues that much of the land around Sana Konung palace has lost its traditional character because it was sold by former King Okendra and used for the construction of high-rise buildings.

“This is why we have appealed to the residents to let the government take over the land around the palace so that we can relive the olden times,” the official said.
Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba King Sanajaoba feels let down, aides say

Although King Sanajaobas fast may not continue for that long, it has created ripples in the state.