Our Correspondent
Imphal, June 19 (EMN): The 17th ‘Great June Uprising Unity Day’ was observed on June 18 by paying floral tributes in the memory of eighteen persons who lost their lives during the public movement to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
The event was jointly organised by the observation committee of All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (Amuco) and United Committee Manipur (UCM) at Kekrupat in Imphal.
Vehicular movements was affected along the National Highways and district highways in ‘Naga areas’ during the observation after the United Naga Council called a 12-hour bandh on these roads to demand an early settlement of the Naga political issue, according to reports.
People from different parts of the state, family members of the slain persons, political leaders, including ruling and opposition MLAs and civil society organisations turned up to pay respect to the departed souls who died in security forces firing.
People remembered the historic day when the people took to the streets in the state capital on June 21 2001 after the then union government inserted the clause ‘without territorial limits’ in the ceasefire agreement with NSCN (IM). The memorial service was followed by a public meeting which vowed to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state.
The main market, cinema halls, educational institutions and other establishments remained closed during the observation. However the government offices remained open with poor attendance.
