Fitting tributes paid at Kekrupat,
UCM for devt of martyrs' complex
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 18: Hundreds of people made their way towards Kekrupat today to pay their tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

It may be recalled here that following the signing of the Bangkok declaration between the Government of India and Naga rebel group NSCN (I-M) on August 14, 2001, people of Manipur revolted demanding withdrawal of the controversial clause related to extension of the ceasefire without territorial limit on June 18, the same year.

In the spontaneous public agitation, 18 people lost their lives.

The family members of the martyrs were also honoured with mementos at the occasion.

Tributes being paid at Kekrupat to the martyrs

Addressing the public meeting organised by UCM under the banner The Great June 18 Uprising, social activist Yumnamcha Dilipkumar observed that the June 18 Uprising was a spontaneous public reaction to the unceasing instigation of the Government of India to drive a wedge among the people and set one group of people against another.

But it was to the credit of the civil society organisations (CSOs) that no communal clashes were allowed to take place.

It is rather funny that while at that time, elected representatives were only fighting for power today the Government has started now claiming that it would start monitoring the activities of the civil society organisations, Dilipkumar said.

K Prafullo, who spoke on behalf of the family members of the martyrs, asserted that the 18 martyrs laid down their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.

He also expressed wish on the part of the Government to develop the martyrs' complex at Kekrupat under the Monument Act.

UCM is also ready to contribute its mite in this regard, he added.

Among the presidium members who spoke at the public meeting, president of Komrem Union John L Karong observed that since the time of British rule, there has been no escape from the divide and rule policy and religious bigotry and this is one of the reasons why there is no peace in the region.

UCM president Konsam Langamba said that since its inception, UCM has been trying to promote cordial relationship among all the ethnic groups living in Manipur and added that it will continue to work with more vigour in this direction in the years to come.

He also highlighted the issues related to influx migrant workers to Manipur and the suffering of the common people who have been caught in the battle field of the security forces and the underground activists.

In such a situation, the decision of the Government to provide arms to the people of Heirok and Lilong Chajing through setting up of SPOs is most unfortunate, Langamba said.

As part of the observance, UCM had also organised a photo exhibition at Kekrupat and a blood donation camp at the office complex of Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association located nearby at Minuthong.

On the other hand, floral tributes were paid to the 18 martyrs during a function organised by Modern Club, Mongkhanglambi at the office of the club today.