Govt urged to declare June 18 as state holiday
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 18 2022:
The Observance Committee of the 21st June Uprising Unity Day formed by AMUCO and UCM observed the commemorative event by offering floral tributes at the final resting place of the 18 martyrs, who made the supreme sacrifice to defend the territorial integrity of Manipur, at Kekrupat, here on Saturday.
The observance began with 'Yakairol' in the early morning followed by offering of floral tributes to the 18 martyrs by family members, CSO leaders, community leaders, students, public figures, people from different walks of life and representatives of different indigenous communities as well as Manipuris from other states and countries.
Later, at the main function, Observance Committee chairman and UCM president Joychandra Konthoujam said the committee is ready to face any adversaries that threaten the unity, identity and integrity of the state.
There should be no demand for Greater Nagalim or Kukiland, he said while urging all to stand up and fight for a united Manipur.
The public movement in June 2001 after the Bangkok declaration extended ceasefire agreement between Government of India and NSCN-IM "without territorial limit" was a spontaneous public uprising, who came out to the street to defend the territorial integrity of Manipur.
The same spirit and courage still exist among the people of the state and they will display the same courage if the integrity and unity of the state is threatened, Joychandra said.
He then demanded the state government to declare June 18 as state holiday as a mark of respect and honour to the 18 martyrs and also to allow government employees and their families to take part in paying tribute to them during the observance event.
Any community raising objection to the demand should be considered as anti-Manipur and harbouring ill-will against the emotional and territorial integrity of the state.
He also expressed concern over the diminishing boundary of Manipur and demanded the government to resolve the same at the earliest.
Unless the government takes up necessary steps to prevent loss of state's boundary by stopping the border fencing, people of the state will rise up to defend the territory, he cautioned.
While maintaining that several CSOs have been trying to maintain good relationship with Meeteis settled in other states and countries, he urged the government to take up necessary measures for their welfare.