Renewing the collective commitment to stand against any challenges that threaten Manipur’s unity and territorial integrity, the ‘24th Great June Uprising, Unity Day’ observance was held with thousands of participants from various communities on Wednesday at Kekrupat in Imphal, paying tribute to the 18 martyrs who lost their lives during the historic 2001 people’s movement.
“Never dare to dream of fragmenting Manipur, and hoping for it in a false promise will be like fishing in the desert,” is the message that has been sent through media by the Chairman of the Observation Committee and AMUCO (All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation) President, Pheiroijam Nando Luwang, on the sidelines of the observance at Kekrupat in the state capital, Imphal.
The Observation Committee Chairman also said that the people of Manipur are peace-loving; however, various situations in the past have turned them into agitators, and he appealed to people to live together in peace and harmony. However, people will not negotiate or compromise with those who want to bifurcate Manipur.
The event was jointly organised by the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO). Thousands of people, including the families, paid floral tributes to those who lost their lives.
The mass agitation in June 2001 erupted in protest against the Bangkok Declaration signed on June 14, which extended the ceasefire agreement with the controversial clause “without territorial limit.”
Shops, schools, private offices, banks, and other establishments remained closed in the state as a mark of respect. Vehicular movement was also restricted in parts of Imphal city to facilitate public observance.
