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 MinisterN Biren Singh in the chair inside the premises of the Kangla Fort.[17]
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).[18][19]
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.[20]
"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."[25][26] "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."[27][28] "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.
As promised we have finally opened KANGLA NONGPOK THONG."[29][30][31]
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.[39]
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 overturning colonial disruptions in Kangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur'). Another interpretation is that it refers to the opening of trade relations with Myanmar and other Southeast Asian nations.[40][41]
^"Nongpok Thong and Nongpokthong". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 13 January 2023. 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.
^"CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 14 January 2023. 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".
^"CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 14 January 2023. 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.
^"Nongpok Thong and Nongpokthong". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 13 January 2023. 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.
^"CM dedicates Kangla Nongpok Thong to public: 11th jan23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Retrieved 14 January 2023. 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.
^"Nongpok Thong and Nongpokthong". Imphal Free Press. Retrieved 13 January 2023. 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.
