Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 28:
United Committee Manipur (UCM) has appealed to all the people to observe mass mourning till July 31 over the deaths of 17 people in the course of the anti-ceasefire extension agitation.
This was announced during a mass mourning meeting at Khuman Lampak main stadium.
The UCM has also appealed to the people to suspend all entertainment programmes until the mourning period expires on July 31.DDK, AIR and cable operators were also requested to suspend all entertainment programmes during the period.
Over ten thousand people cutting across community lines turned up for mourning to honour the 17 martyrs.
The mass mourning was held under the aegis of UCM.
From 1 pm onwards the people gathered at the main stadium and they paid floral tributes in memory of the 17 persons killed in the agitation.
The mourners were all attired in their traditional dresses.
A two minute silence was observed to pay respect to the departed souls.
Family members of the 17 persons also took part in the mourning and floral tributes were paid at the photos of the deceased souls.
The scene was heart rending with many weeping.
Addressing the gathering UCM leader Dilip Yumnamcha said that the democratic movement should go on until a written and formal announcement that the ceasefire has been revoked is announced.
He said the UCM will try to construct memorial sites at Kekrupat, saying the land belongs to the State Archeological Department.
Dr Dhanabir Laishram cautioned the people not to over react to the development as that could send wrong signals and could well be the game plan of the Union government to sow seeds of discord.
UCM convenor Kh Ratan said the Government has still not clearly spelt out what exactly transpired between Padmanabhaiah and NSCN (IM) leadership so the announcement that the ceasefire extension has been revoked is not totally satisfying.
Stating that the announcement of the Centre is still clouded in mystery, UCM convenor Jadumani appealed to the people to light up torches at the gate of each and every family during the mourning period.