Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, June 18
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]housands of people conglomerated at Kekrupat, Imphal today and paid tributes to the 18 people killed on June 18, 2001 in protest against the June 14 declaration of the government of India where the cease fire with the NSCN-IM was extended without territorial limits.
Organised jointly by the United Committee, Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), the event known as The Great June Uprising was held at Kekrupat, Imphal where the 18 persons’ memorial stones have been erected.
Speaking on the occasion, UCM president Y Nabachandra, who is also the chairman of the Observation Committee, said the event is organised not against any community or organisation but to show unity against the dirty policy of the government of India.
“Such programme is also held to send message to the government of India that divisive policy should not be thrown among the people,” Y Nabachandra stated. The UCM president also said the various communities living in Manipur should realise the divisive policy of the government of India. He urged the people to face such dirty policy unitedly.Also speaking on the occasion, social scientist and advisor of AMUCO Dr Dhanabir Laishram stated that one community pitching against the other in the North East India region is due to the architect of the government of India. Dr Dhanabir Laishram said various communities in the North East have their respective demand made to the government of India but so far no community has achieved its demand. “Instead of achieving our goals we are sinking together,” pointed out Dr Dhanabir Laishram. “If we do not face the problem jointly we have no future,” said Dr Dhanabir Laishram.
President of Chiru Tribe Union (CTU) Areng Zatak Chiru said that Manipur has no future if there is no peace and development. Areng Zatak Chiru advised that various communities of Manipur after discarding their ethnic line should come forth as Manipuris to address the issues confronting the state.
Manipuri Cultural Society, Assam general secretary T Manihar stated that without hills there cannot be an idea of Manipur and vice versa.
Noted social worker Th Iboyaima, fondly called as the Father of Social Work of Manipur said that after the state was annexed Manipur has been kept in a slave-like position.
Meanwhile, T Gandhi, the convenor of today programme chronicled The Great June Uprising.
Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Agriculture minister Abdul Nasir, MLAs and other prominent personalities of Manipur took part in today’s floral tribute paying event at Kekrupat.
Kuki Women Union president Rose Mangshi and Kabui Mothers Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei also participated in the programme.
In commemoration of The Great June Uprising, blood donation programmes were held at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and also at Kekrupat.
In the year 2001 on this day on June 14 the Government of India declared the cease fire with the NSCN-IM without territorial limits. Strongly opposing New Delhi’s decision, the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) the powerful civil society organisation in the valley districts of Manipur held a meeting and later called a press conference announcing the 48 hours Manipur bandh that resulted in the loss of 18 lives on June 18 of that year and the torching of Manipur chief minister’s bungalow and the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
Thirteen years down the line on June 14 this year, AMUCO had organised a sit-in protest against the declaration which came to be known as The Bangkok Declaration. That day’s sit-in protest was participated by several civil society organisations held at Kwakeithel Bazar, Imphal West district.
