Dr. D. Maheswari at 03:30, 21 March 2026

2026-03-21T03:30:06Z

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{{Short description|Eastern Gate of the Kangla Fort}}
{{About|the eastern entrance to the [[Kangla Palace]]|the western entrance|Kangla Sanathong}}
{{Distinguish|Kangla Nongpok Torban}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Kangla Eastern Gate
| native_name = Kangla Nongpok Thong
| native_name_lang = mni
| logo =
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| former_names =
| alternate_names = Nongpok Thong
| etymology = Eastern Entrance Gate of the [[Kangla]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Biren Singh hands over historic Kangla Nongpok Thong to people of Manipur - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/biren-singh-hands-over-historic-kangla-nongpok-thong-to-people-of-manipur/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Correspondent |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur CM hands over eastern gate of historic Kangla Fort in Imphal |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipur-cm-hands-over-eastern-gate-of-historic-kangla-fort-in-imphal-1456813 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=assamtribune.com |language=en}}</ref>
| status = open
| cancelled =
| topped_out =
| building_type = Gate Bridge
| architectural_style = [[Meitei architecture]]
| classification = Gate Bridge
| location = [[Imphal River]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Biren Singh hands over historic Kangla Nongpok Thong to people of Manipur - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/biren-singh-hands-over-historic-kangla-nongpok-thong-to-people-of-manipur/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Correspondent |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur CM hands over eastern gate of historic Kangla Fort in Imphal |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipur-cm-hands-over-eastern-gate-of-historic-kangla-fort-in-imphal-1456813 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=assamtribune.com |language=en}}</ref>
| address = frontier between [[Imphal East district]] and [[Imphal West district]]
| location_city = [[Imphal]] 
| location_country =
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Manipur.svg}} [[Manipur Kingdom]] (historical)
* {{IND}} (present)
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| namesake = [[Kangla Nongpok Torban]]
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| renovation_date = 2022-23
| closing_date =
| demolished_date = 1891 [[Anglo Manipur War]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Editorial |first=Signpost |date=2023-01-11 |title=After Nongpok Thong of Kangla, next Eastern Gate of Kangla |url=https://signpostnews.com/after-nongpok-thong-of-kangla-next-eastern-gate-of-kangla/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=Signpost News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nongpok Thong and Nongpokthong |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/editorial/nongpok-thong-and-nongpokthong |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en |quote=The references with regard to reopening of 'Nongpokthong' in our ancient chronicles has been interpreted in many ways in modern times among which opening of trade relations with Myanmar and Southeast Asia is one.}}</ref>
| cost =
| ren_cost =
| client = Kangla Fort Board (KFB)
| owner = [[Government of Manipur]]
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| affiliation = [[Meitei architecture]]
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| architecture_firm = Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd)
| developer =
* Imphal Smart City Limited (ISCL) (financing agent)
* Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd) (working agent)
| engineer =
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| main_contractor = Imphal Smart City Limited (ISCL)
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}}
The {{langnf|mni|'''Kangla Nongpok Thong'''|[[Kangla]] Eastern Gate}}, shortly known as the {{langnf|mni|'''Nongpok Thong'''|Eastern Gate}}, is the Eastern Gate Bridge{{efn|In [[Meitei language]] (officially called [[Manipuri language]]), "Thong" ({{langx|mni|{{script|Mtei|ꯊꯣꯡ}}}}) may refer to [[door]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=H. Surmangol |date=2006 |title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("thong" - door) |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%8A%EA%AF%A3%EA%AF%A1+thong+door&matchtype=default |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=dsal.uchicago.edu |publisher=[[University of Chicago]]}}</ref> or [[bridge]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=H. Surmangol |date=2006 |title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary ("thong" - bridge) |url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%8A%EA%AF%A3%EA%AF%A1+thong+bridge&matchtype=default |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=dsal.uchicago.edu |publisher=[[University of Chicago]]}}</ref>}} of the [[Kangla Fort]] of [[Imphal]], {{langnf|mni|[[Kangleipak]]|[[Manipur]]}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-10 |title=Kangla Nongpok Thong opens to public |work=Pothashang News |url=https://www.pothashang.in/2023/01/10/kangla-nongpok-thong-opens-to-public/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipur's Kangla Nongpok Thong reopens to public, Western gate to remain closed |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/manipurs-kangla-nongpok-thong-reopens-to-public-western-gate-to-remain-closed |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Vangamla Salle K. |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur: Kangla Nongpok Thong in Imphal opens to public |url=http://www.eastmojo.com/manipur/2023/01/10/manipur-kangla-nongpok-thong-in-imphal-opens-to-public/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=EastMojo |language=en-US}}</ref>
With the re-opening of the modern Eastern Gate of the [[Kangla]], the [[Kangla Western Gate]] ({{langx|mni|Kangla Nongchup Thong}}) was closed forever, under the leadership of [[Nongthombam Biren]], the then [[Chief Minister of Manipur]], due to the traditional Meitei belief that the western gate is regarded as the gate of the dead and it is ominous to enter the [[Kangla]] through the western doorway.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=25..110123.jan23 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=e-pao.net |quote=While dedicating the Kangla Nongpok Thong to the public, the chief minister also informed that the Kangla Nongchup Thong (western gate) will be closed henceforth. He explained that according to Meetei's beliefs, the western gate is regarded as the gate of the dead and it is an omen to enter through the western gate or door. Considering the welfare of the Manipuri society, the state government in consultation with various experts and scholars of Manipur initiated the construction of the Kangla eastern gate and to close the Kangla Western gate forever. "Therefore, from today onwards, since the eastern gate has been opened for the public, the Western Gate will remain closed for all time".}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=1..110123.jan23 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=e-pao.net |quote=Speaking at the inaugural function which was organised by the State Archeology Department, the Chief Minister stated that the back door or western door is generally associated with death and misery as per Meitei worldview and beliefs. As such, many senior citizens and experts are of the opinion that it would not bode well for the public if the western gate of Kangla is used as the entrance and exit gate.}}</ref>

== History ==
The antique Kangla Nongpok Thong was dismantled by the [[British Army]] after their victory in the [[Anglo-Manipur War]] of 1891 AD,<ref>{{Cite news |author=K. Sarojkumar Sharma|date=9 Jan 2023 |title=Manipur Evicts Encroachers From Kangla Nongpok Thong |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/imphal/manipur-evicts-encroachers-from-kangla-nongpok-thong/articleshow/96843183.cms |access-date=2023-01-13 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref> as the [[Assam Rifles]] was stationed inside the western side of the [[Kangla]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-11 |title=After Nongpok Thong of Kangla, next Eastern Gate of Kangla |url=https://signpostnews.com/after-nongpok-thong-of-kangla-next-eastern-gate-of-kangla/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |work=Signpost News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Nongpok Thong and Nongpokthong |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/editorial/nongpok-thong-and-nongpokthong |access-date=2023-01-13 |work=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en |quote=The references with regard to reopening of 'Nongpokthong' in our ancient chronicles has been interpreted in many ways in modern times among which opening of trade relations with Myanmar and Southeast Asia is one.}}</ref>

== Modern re-construction ==
During June 2019, a decision to reconstruct the old Kangla Nongpok Thong was taken in a meeting session of the Kangla Fort Board (KFB) with the [[Manipur Chief Minister]] [[N Biren Singh]] in the chair inside the premises of the [[Kangla Fort]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Samom |first=Sobhapati |date=2019-06-09 |title=Manipur government to reconstruct eastern bridge of Kangla Fort |url=https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur-government-to-reconstruct-eastern-bridge-of-kangla-fort.html |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=NORTHEAST NOW |language=en-US}}</ref>

The re-construction of the modern Kangla Nongpok Thong was done by the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Limited (MPHC Ltd). It was financed by the Imphal Smart City Limited (ISCL).<ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Vangamla Salle K. |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur: Kangla Nongpok Thong in Imphal opens to public |url=http://www.eastmojo.com/manipur/2023/01/10/manipur-kangla-nongpok-thong-in-imphal-opens-to-public/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=EastMojo |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-10 |title=Kangla Nongpok Thong opens to public |work=Pothashang News |url=https://www.pothashang.in/2023/01/10/kangla-nongpok-thong-opens-to-public/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The timing of the reopening of the Nongpok Thong was expected to be around October of the year 2021, as planned by Chief minister Biren. But due to some reasons, it got delayed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Usham |first=Joyshree |title=NONGPOK-THONG IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED BY OCT, 2021: CM BIREN - Impact TV - The Official Website |url=https://impacttv.in/latest-news/item/1434-nongpok-thong-is-expected-to-be-ready-by-oct-2021-cm-biren |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=impacttv.in |language=en-gb}}</ref>

== Re-opening ==
On 6 January 2023, the Kangla Nongpok Thong was officially inaugurated by [[Amit Shah]], the then [[Minister of Home Affairs]] of the [[Union Government of India]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=https://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=1..110123.jan23 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=e-pao.net |quote=Speaking at the inaugural function which was organised by the State Archeology Department, the Chief Minister stated that the back door or western door is generally associated with death and misery as per Meitei worldview and beliefs. As such, many senior citizens and experts are of the opinion that it would not bode well for the public if the western gate of Kangla is used as the entrance and exit gate.}}</ref> Later, on 10 January 2023, [[Government of Manipur]] led by Chief minister [[Nongthombam Biren]], handed the Eastern Gate over to the public of Manipur, in the presence of [[Leishemba Sanajaoba]], after performing a religious ritual ceremony with the help of the {{langnf|mni|[[:simple:Maiba|Maiba]]s|priests}} and {{langnf|mni|[[Maibi]]s|priestesses}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipur's Kangla Nongpok Thong reopens to public, Western gate to remain closed |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/manipurs-kangla-nongpok-thong-reopens-to-public-western-gate-to-remain-closed |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Biren Singh hands over historic Kangla Nongpok Thong to people of Manipur - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/biren-singh-hands-over-historic-kangla-nongpok-thong-to-people-of-manipur/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Correspondent |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur CM hands over eastern gate of historic Kangla Fort in Imphal |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipur-cm-hands-over-eastern-gate-of-historic-kangla-fort-in-imphal-1456813 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=assamtribune.com |language=en}}</ref>
On the occasion of inauguration, [[Nongthombam Biren]], the then [[Chief Minister of Manipur]], said:
{{Blockquote|"I had the honor to hand over and dedicate the Nongpok Thong on the eastern side of Kangla to the public today. The bridge to restore order, peace, harmony, and prosperity in the state has finally been opened."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Biren Singh hands over historic Kangla Nongpok Thong to people of Manipur - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/biren-singh-hands-over-historic-kangla-nongpok-thong-to-people-of-manipur/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Correspondent |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur CM hands over eastern gate of historic Kangla Fort in Imphal |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipur-cm-hands-over-eastern-gate-of-historic-kangla-fort-in-imphal-1456813 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=assamtribune.com |language=en}}</ref><br />"We have a belief that there will be a feeling of oneness, peace, harmony, and prosperity in the state when we open the Nongpok-Thong (Eastern Gate) of Kangla. It will be remembered in the history of Manipur as the moment when the prophecy of Nongpok Thong Hangba was fulfilled."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Biren Singh hands over historic Kangla Nongpok Thong to people of Manipur - Eastern Mirror |url=https://easternmirrornagaland.com/biren-singh-hands-over-historic-kangla-nongpok-thong-to-people-of-manipur/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=easternmirrornagaland.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Correspondent |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur CM hands over eastern gate of historic Kangla Fort in Imphal |url=https://assamtribune.com/north-east/manipur-cm-hands-over-eastern-gate-of-historic-kangla-fort-in-imphal-1456813 |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=assamtribune.com |language=en}}</ref><br />"The opening of Kangla Nongpok Thong has a very important cultural significance. This Eastern Gate of Kangla is considered to be the pathway to peace, prosperity and happiness for the people of Manipur.<br />
As promised we have finally opened KANGLA NONGPOK THONG."<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM congratulates people of Manipur on opening of Kangla Nongpok Thong |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1889338 |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Statesman News |date=2023-01-07 |title=PM congratulates people of Manipur on opening of Kangla Nongpok bridge |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/pm-congratulates-people-of-manipur-on-opening-of-kangla-nongpok-bridge-1503144737.html |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-07 |title=PM congratulates people of Manipur on the opening of Kangla Nongpok Thong |work=INDToday |url=https://indtoday.com/pm-congratulates-people-of-manipur-on-the-opening-of-kangla-nongpok-thong/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>|[[Nongthombam Biren]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM congratulates people of Manipur on opening of Kangla Nongpok Thong |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1889338 |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>}}
On the same occasion, [[Narendra Modi]], the then [[Prime minister of India]], replied to Manipur Chief Minister's speech as:
{{Blockquote|"Congrats Manipur! May the spirit of peace, prosperity and happiness be enhanced across the state."|[[Narendra Modi]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM congratulates people of Manipur on opening of Kangla Nongpok Thong |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1889338 |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Statesman News |date=2023-01-07 |title=PM congratulates people of Manipur on opening of Kangla Nongpok bridge |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/pm-congratulates-people-of-manipur-on-opening-of-kangla-nongpok-bridge-1503144737.html |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-07 |title=PM congratulates people of Manipur on the opening of Kangla Nongpok Thong |work=INDToday |url=https://indtoday.com/pm-congratulates-people-of-manipur-on-the-opening-of-kangla-nongpok-thong/ |access-date=2023-01-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>}}

== Development ==
According to the plans of [[Manipur Chief Minister]] [[Nongthombam Biren]], the Nongpok Thong will be guarded by [[Indian Reserve Battalion|Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB)]] policemen, wearing traditional Meitei uniforms, instead of modern formal ones, the [[Kangla Sanathong|Nongchup Thong]] ([[Western Kangla Gate]]) will be closed afterwards, vehicles will only be allowed to enter from the Northern Gate of the [[Kangla]], the roadway from the Eastern Gate towards the office of the [[District collector|District collector (DC)]] of [[Imphal East district]], will be made as a [[Lane|double lane]] one.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipur's Kangla Nongpok Thong reopens to public, Western gate to remain closed |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/manipurs-kangla-nongpok-thong-reopens-to-public-western-gate-to-remain-closed |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-01-10 |title=Kangla Nongpok Thong opens to public |work=Pothashang News |url=https://www.pothashang.in/2023/01/10/kangla-nongpok-thong-opens-to-public/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=S |first=Vangamla Salle K. |date=2023-01-10 |title=Manipur: Kangla Nongpok Thong in Imphal opens to public |url=http://www.eastmojo.com/manipur/2023/01/10/manipur-kangla-nongpok-thong-in-imphal-opens-to-public/ |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=EastMojo |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Eviction ==
The [[Government of Manipur]] performed eviction of the illegal encroachers from the areas near the historic Kangla Nongpok Thong after its opening program.
The departments concerned used heavy machinery to bring down many residential and commercial buildings built encroaching the place near the eastern-most area of the Kangla Nongpok Thong.<ref>{{Cite news |author=K. Sarojkumar Sharma|date=9 Jan 2023 |title=Manipur Evicts Encroachers From Kangla Nongpok Thong |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/imphal/manipur-evicts-encroachers-from-kangla-nongpok-thong/articleshow/96843183.cms |access-date=2023-01-13 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Interpretation of the event ==
The incident of the reopening of the ''"Nongpok Thong"'' was mentioned in the old Meitei chronicles. In modern times, it is interpreted in many ways by many scholars. Among the various interpretations, one is that the reopening of the Nongpok Thong refers to the [[Decolonization|overturning colonial disruptions]] in {{langnf|mni|[[Kangleipak]]|[[Manipur]]}}. Another interpretation is that it refers to the opening of trade relations with [[Myanmar]] and other [[Southeast Asia]]n nations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nongpok Thong and Nongpokthong |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/editorial/nongpok-thong-and-nongpokthong |access-date=2023-01-13 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en |quote=The references with regard to reopening of 'Nongpokthong' in our ancient chronicles has been interpreted in many ways in modern times among which opening of trade relations with Myanmar and Southeast Asia is one.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nongpok Thong Hangba The Revelation of Puya |url=https://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=news_section.opinions.RK_Shivachandra_Opinion.Nongpok_Thong_Hangba_The_Revelation_of_Puya |access-date=2023-01-14 |website=e-pao.net}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Hijagang]]
* [[Pakhangba Temple, Kangla|Iputhou Pakhangba Laishang]]
* [[Kangla Sha]]
* [[Manung Kangjeibung]]
* [[Sanggai Yumpham]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://iaspoint.com/kangla-nongpok-thong/ Kangla Nongpok Thong] at {{URL|iaspoint.com}}
* [http://e-pao.net/epSearchResults.asp?cx=partner-pub-3342616103029311%3A3788634109&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=UTF-8&q=Kangla+Nongpok+Thong&sa.x=0&sa.y=0 Kangla Nongpok Thong] at {{URL|e-pao.net}}
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[[Category:Meitei architecture]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Imphal]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials to Meitei royalty]]
[[Category:Public art in India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Manipur]]

Kangla Nongpok Thong - Revision history

Dr. D. Maheswari at 03:30, 21 March 2026