Stage set for June 18 observation
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 17 2020: The 19th Great June Uprising, Unity Day is all set to be observed with full spirit tomorrow (June 18) .

Speaking to media persons at Kekrupat where the main function is to be held, chairman of the observation committee, Sunil Karam stated that this year's observation will be held in a simple manner with limited number of attendees in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Only members of the observation committee, families of those who made the supreme sacrifice on the historic day of June 18; community leaders and CSO leaders would be attending the function and pay floral tributes to the martyred souls, he said while adding that a meeting will follow where issues pertaining to the State will be deliberated.

Stage set for June 18 observation

June 18 marks the historic mass movement in Imphal against the Central Government's decision to extend ceasefire (without territorial limits) to Manipur following the Bangkok Declaration signed with NSCN-IM on June 14, 2001, he recalled.

In all 18 persons, who came out on their own for the territorial integrity of the State sacrificed their lives.

The day is observed as "the Great June Uprising Day/ Unity Day" since 2002 and respect is paid to the brave souls besides all CSOs, community leaders resolving to uphold the territorial integrity and unity among all, he added.

He also maintained that titular king Sanajaoba, will no longer grace the function as 6 CSOs have decided to de-recognise Sanajaoba as the king.

The observation committee has no say on Sanajaoba's entry to politics, said Sunil Karam who also reiterated that the CSOs are strictly against the mixing of kingly activities relating to custom, art, tradition and religion with that of political activities.

He also observed that any political resolution taken up by the India Government must not affect the aspiration of any community of Manipur.

The future of the State lies in peaceful coexistence of all communities, he said while maintaining that all communities should sort out and settle differences, if any, by reaching out to one another rather than complaining the matter to a third party /community.

He also appealed to all communities not to put any unreasonable/inappropriate demand which would affect sentiments of another community.

He also appealed to Manipur Police to help CSO leaders get smooth passage for successful observation of the programme.

Vice-chairman of the observation committee, Ph Nando Luwang, on the other hand said blood donation programme, which was held every year at Kekrupat in line with the observation programme, will be conducted at blood banks of JNIMS and RIMS.

The venue of the blood donation programme has been shifted considering the restriction on mass gathering, he said while maintaining that people have started donating blood in connection with the observation since yesterday at the said blood banks.

The donation campaign could be extended in case the number of donors rise, he continued.

Nando also said that clubs and Meira Paibi organisations will observe the same day at their respective levels and appealed all to lit candles at their respective gates as a mark of respect and for the sake of territorial integrity.

He also appealed to all attendees to strictly follow safety measures issued by health officials.