Tributes paid to June 18 martyrs
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 18 2013: In remembrance of the 18 people who were killed in police firing during the agitations against extension of Indo-NSCN (IM) Cease Fire Agreement in 2001, thousands of people from different communities across the State paid floral tributes to the "martyrs" at Kekrupat here today.

18 people namely Okram Ramananda of Langathel Mayai Leikai, Laitonjam Rajkumar of Uripok Khoisnam Leikai, Laishram Ongbi RK Tamphasana of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel, Thokchom Lalit of Yaiskul Jamasthan, Bachaspatimayum Naocha of Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Khoisnam Shinghajit of Liwa Lambi Maibam Leikai, Amom Rajen of Naoremthong Takhellambam Leikai, Kshetrimayum Romeo of Singjamei Kshetri Leikai, Rishikanta Yumnam of Khagempallo Panthak, Gurumayum Dutta of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai, Sagolsem Surchandra of Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai, Thokchom Wilson of Nongmeibung, Thoudam Guneshwor of Khoijuman Mamang Leikai, Konsam Kameshwar and Kshetrimyum Jiban of Khurai Konsam Leikai, Mayanglambam Manikanta of Awang Sekmai, Thingom Birendra of Chingamakha Irom Leirak and Chabungbam Bharat of Awang Khunou Mamang Leikai lost their lives during the agitations.

Tributes paid to June 18 martyrs

The day was observed as the 12th Great June Uprising and Unity Day jointly by All Manipur United Clubs' Organization (AMUCO) and United Committee Manipur (UCM) at the Kekrupat Memorial complex where the mortal remains of the 18 martyrs have been laid to rest.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam, Commerce and Indudtries Minister K Govindas, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai, Agriculture Minister Abdul Nasir, MLAs Okram Landhoni, RK Anand, P Brojen, RK Imo, Elangbam Chand and Karam Shyam participated in the observance.

President of BJP Manipur Pradesh Thounaojam Chaoba and leaders of various political parties also paid floral tributes at Kekrupat. People from far and wide including Moreh and Jiribam along with the community leaders and members of student bodies, local clubs and civil society organizations of the State joined in paying floral tributes.

The tranquillity of Kekrupat was ultimately marred by the mourning of family members of the 18 people who have laid down their lives for the cause of safeguarding the State's territorial integrity.

Artistes of Shumang Leela and Manipuri Digital Films along with leaders of Kuki, Meetei, Naga, Muslim and Sikh communities took part in the observance braving scorching heat of the summer sun.

The observance began since early morning with traditional rituals performed by priests and priestesses of the Royal Palace.

Players of Huiyen Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association also gave salute to the martyrs.

A blood donation camp was also conducted at Kekrupat in collaboration with some private hospitals and JNIMS to mark the occasion.

Strict security measures were taken up by Manipur Police in Imphal area in connection with the observance.

Imphal City took a deserted look with all schools and business establishments shut down.

A public meeting was also held as part of the observance at Kekrupat and family members of the martyrs along with Sorokhaibam Sobita and Brahmacharimayum Biju, who sustained injuries during the agitations, were honoured by the Observation Committee of Great June Uprising and Unity Day.

Many prominent leaders including President of AMUCO KT Rahman and President of UCM Yumnam Nabachandra spoke on the occasion.

The speakers termed the joint observation of June 18 as a landmark event that would usher in unity, peace and harmony in the State.

They condemned the divisive policies of the Indian government in trying to disintegrate the unity of the State.

The incident of June 18 has been written in golden letters as a testimony of people's unity and strength towards safeguarding the territorial integrity, they asserted.

The speakers also made appeals to all to stand united against the divisive and discriminatory policies of the Indian government towards the people of Manipur.