HT Bureau
DIPHU, May 10: The statue of Karbi legendary heroine Rongpharpi Rongbe – A march for freedom, at the traffic island, in front of Karbi Anglong Sports Association (KASA) in Diphu town will be relocated due to the flyover construction from Rongnihang Forest Office Tiniali to the post office.
The Rongbe statue will be re-installed at 5th Miles Diphu-Manja Road near the developing Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT). This has been issued by the principal secretary, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), on Tuesday.
The KAAC authority has decided to relocate the monument as it would lose its majestic looks because of the elevated height of the flyover. The foundation stone of the statue of Rongpharpi Rongbe will be done on June 23, 2023 at the relocation site.
Legends say that Rongpharpi Rongbe was the one who freed the Karbis from the clutches of the tyrannical rule of the Parok richo. She is regarded as the symbol of strong will power, courage and sacrifice.
On Wednesday morning, according to Karbi belief, horbong arnam kepu – offering of rice brew was performed by Karbi traditional priest Borsing Timung.
Tribal culture research officer (TCRO), Dilip Kathar said as per instruction from KAAC, the Cultural Affairs department and additional chief engineer, PWD (R&B) Hills have been entrusted with the responsibility of relocating the statue. The offering of rice brew is performed so that the statue can be relocated safely to the new site.
Assistant engineer of additional chief engineer, PWD (R&B), Vishnu Chetri said that Rongpharpi Rongbe is one of the important legendary figures and as it will not look nice that her statue is beneath the flyover. He also informed that piling work is completed and the last pillar is to be erected. Before the rainy season, the ground works will be completed. Other works like deck slap, PSC girders, crash barrier, pedestal, pier and pier cap will be started. By next February the fly-over bridge has to be handed over to the PWD department.
