Fitting tributes paid to June 18 martyrs at Kekrupat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 18 2023: Amid the unrest prevailing in the State since May 3, rich floral tributes were paid to 18 martyrs at Kekrupat on the 22nd Great June Uprising, Unity Day today.

A large number of people from different communities paid floral tributes to the memorials of the 18, who lost their lives on June 18, 2001 .

The Great June Uprising Unity Day, observed on June 18 every year, is not against any community but to demonstrate unity and the resolve to protect Manipur's integrity.

The day is observed to remember the 18 martyrs who sacrificed their lives for State's integrity, said Pheiroijam Nando Luwang, president of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) .

Ph Nando is also the chairman of The Great June Uprising, Unity Day Observation Committee.

Fitting tributes paid to June 18 martyrs at Kekrupat

Speaking to the people at Kekrupat, Ph Nando said Manipur's integrity, her united structure and political integrity can't be threatened and shattered.

The Government of India has on many occasions tried to divide the people and break the united structure of Manipur.

On such occasions, the people have stood against the divisive policies of the Government to protect State's integrity, he said.

The Great June 18 Uprising, Unity Day today demonstrates that the people are strong and united against all forces that aim to break State's unity, territorial integrity and political structure.

It is also a message to the Government of India to not side with such forces, Ph Nando said.

Commenting on the present crisis, Ph Nando urged the people of the Kuki community to appeal to the SoO Kuki militant groups and militants who crossed the border from Myanmar to shun violence.

If the Kuki militants continue on the path of violence, the situation may worsen and all efforts for reconciliation will fail, which will be a loss for all, he added.

Stating that violence has not ended even after a month with no sign of respite and conditions for peace, Ph Nando said the Government of India has failed to end the crisis and allowed the violence to continue.

Asking why the Government of India is allowing the violence to continue, he said the Centre should bear the responsibility of the violence and all the crimes taking place in Manipur.

The Government of India is awarding stipend to the Kuki militants under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) and is overseeing their affairs.

Hence, the Government of India should be held responsible for their actions, Ph Nando said.

He stressed and reminded the Government that the Kuki militants breaking the ground rules of the SoO is against the Constitution of the country and its governance.

Ph Nando further asserted that the Government of India is blind to the immigrants and infiltrators from Myanmar crossing the border illegally.

Reiterating that the people of Manipur, on many occasions, have stood against all policies that aim to disintegrate and divide the State, Ph Nando said the people have submitted so many memoranda [to protect State's integrity] over the years that the Prime Minister's Office must have run out of space to store them.

He called on the people to continue to stand united against all threats to State's unity and integrity.

Speaking at the observance, the Observation Committee's vice chairman, Joychandra Konthoujam said the people remember the sacrifices made by the 18 martyrs and the United Committee Manipur will always stand for the State's integrity.

He identified the act of violence perpetrated by the Chin-Kuki militants as an act of aggression against the State to disintegrate it and called on all sections of the people to face such threats unitedly.