Imphal: The 25th observance of 'The Great June Uprising, Unity Day' took place on Thursday in Imphal, accompanied by renewed demands for the protection of Manipur's territorial integrity and unity among its people.
Observance Committee and Venue
The event was organized by a committee comprising the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) and the United Committee Manipur (UCM), held at the June 18 Memorial Complex in Kekrupat, Imphal.
Tributes to Martyrs
People from various communities and sections of society paid tribute to 18 individuals who lost their lives during protests in 2001 against the extension of the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM "without territorial limits." The day is observed across Manipur as a symbol of the collective struggle to preserve the state's territorial integrity.
Shanta Nahakpam, co-convenor of the observance committee, emphasized that the day commemorates those who sacrificed their lives to safeguard Manipur's territorial integrity. He expressed concern that justice has yet to be served for the victims of the incident and noted that several cases related to the 2023 ethnic conflict remain unresolved despite investigations by top agencies, including the NIA. He called on the Government of India to ensure justice for all victims and to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur through a transparent and inclusive peace process. "The people of Manipur are still prepared to make sacrifices to protect the state's integrity, administration, and territorial boundaries," he said.
BJP Manipur unit spokesperson and MLA Kh. Ibomcha also paid tribute to those who laid down their lives for the state. He urged the people, especially the younger generations, to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs and to uphold their ideals by prioritizing nationalism and patriotism above all else.
People paid floral tributes to the martyrs at Kekrupat on Thursday.
