Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: (IT News) The Great June Uprising, Unity Day was observed today at Kekrupat in Imphal with solemn tributes to the 18 martyrs who laid down their lives during the mass agitation in June 2001, protesting against the extension of the NSCN-IM ceasefire agreement “without territorial limits” to Manipur. Later, the number of casualties rose to 21. Thousands of people from across the state gathered at the Kekrupat Memorial Complex, located near the historic Kangla Fort, to pay floral tributes to the photographs of the martyrs. Shops, educational institutions, private offices, banks, and business establishments remained closed throughout the day as a mark of respect. Vehicular movement was also restricted in parts of Imphal city to facilitate public observance. The uprising was triggered following the signing of the Bangkok Declaration on June 14, 2001, between the Government of India and NSCN-IM, which included the contentious phrase “without territorial limit.” The clause was removed following widespread protests and the deaths of 21 civilians during the June uprising. The event was jointly organized by the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO). Pheiroijam Nando Luwang, chairman of the Observation Committee and president of AMUCO, led the gathering in offering floral tributes and stated that the observance reflects the people’s united stand against the Centre’s alleged “divide and rule” tactics intended to fragment the social fabric of Manipur. The day passed peacefully with no untoward incidents reported until the time of filing this report.
