Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30:
As in the previous years, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has geared up for the 7th Unity Day observance in honour of the 18 martyrs who laid down their lives for the unity and territorial integrity of the land in 2001 .
A statement issued by AMUCO publicity secretary Tompok Likmabam recalled that in accordance to the wish of senior citizens and families of the martyrs, AMUCO paid fitting tributes to the 18 martyrs at Kekrupat where their mortal remains were laid to rest together with the people of Manipur and other organisations last year.
This year too, AMUCO together with the people of Manipur would pay fitting tributes and respect to the martyrs at Kekrupat but as usual a public meeting will be held on Unity Day (June 18) at THAU ground in association with leaders of different communities.
Recalling the resolutions adopted in a meeting of senior citizens held in Hotel Excellency on June 5 last year which recommended joint observance of June 18 memorial service at Kekrupat and keeping the site sacred with nobody claiming ownership or occupying the area, the AMUCO asserted that it has been abiding by these resolutions of the senior citizens.
Observing that the declaration signed by the Government of India with a rebel group in 2001 has not only been challenging the territorial integrity of Manipur but also causing severe disturbance to communal harmony of the land, AMUCO noted that one civil movement which drubbed such diabolic design of the Government of India was the violent people's movement of June 14-18, 2001 .
The deliberate act of opening fire at a crowd of people who were taking part in a democratic movement thereby killing many and maiming several others was a rare incident in the contemporary history of the world.
Interestingly, India is a democratic country according to its constitution, it observed.
Alleging that the design of the Government of India was aimed at destroying integrity of the land, AMUCO asserted that the people's movement raised in response amply demonstrated the united strength of the people of Manipur.
As such, AMUCO has been observing this historic day as Unity Day together with the people of Manipur.
While noting that joint observance of June 18 memorial service and playing tributes at the same place is a step towards building up a united strength, AMUCO exuded confidence that a solid ground may be found soon on which lasting unification can be realised in proper and justified manner.
It may be assumed that a foundation for a lasting unification has been laid if all the parties respect and abide by the guidelines of senior citizens.
As for AMUCO, the words of senior citizens would be last and final, it declared.