Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, July 04:
The shradha ceremonies of Konsam Kameshore Meitei, Kshetrimayum Jibon Singh and Mayanglambam Manikanta Meitei, all residents of Khurai Konsam Leikai, who were killed during the June 18 firing while protesting against the extension of the Centre-NSCN (IM) ceasefire were held together at Ima Chingjraobi Masaigon Khurai Konsam Leikai.
Apart form family members and representatives of the JAC, Khurai, over 5000 well wishers and sympathizers turned up to pay homage to the departed heroes.
Music group Roop Raag offered musical tribute with a string of patriotic songs during the ceremonies.
A minute�s silence was also observed in memory of the martyrs.
A public meeting was also held, which was addressed by, among others, Prof N Sanajaoba, dean of law, Gauhati University, and Th Iboyaima, advisor, AMUCO.
Prof Sanajaoba, in his address, expressed resentment that permission from the concerned district magistrate had first to be obtained before holding the shradha ceremonies.
He also declared that the Manipuri people will never allow the disintegration of Manipur to take place, and said the Indian government�s attempt to create misunderstanding among various communities would be defeated.
Iboyaima, in his address, decried the Centre for treating Manipuris as non-citizen.
The gathering resolved to press for complete deletion of Article 3 of Indian Constitutions to put the fears of the Manipuri people of disintegration of their state at rest and for a Parliamentary resolution during the forthcoming monsoon session for withdrawing the NSCN (IM) ceasefire from Manipur.
The meeting further demanded the resignation of the Governor, Ved Prakash Marwah, for having failed to hear the hues and cries of people of Manipur in the matter of extension of ceasefire.