Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 17:
Reminding that the AMUCO in accordance to the wish of senior citizens started paying floral tributes to the martyrs of June 18 at Kekrupat together with the UCM since last year, the AMUCO has called upon all to keep Kekrupat a sacred site for offering tributes only without any body organising any public function there.
A press release issued by AMUCO asserted that it has been organising public function at some locations other than Kekrupat in connection with June 18 anniversary.
It further reminded that various social organisations raised strong objections against the UCM building its office at Kekrupat and organising public functions there.
Observing that there is no question of the AMUCO organising public functions together with the UCM as long as the latter would continue organising public functions at Kekrupat, AMUCO asserted that it is the wish of the people, senior citizens, social organisations and families of victims to keep Kekrupat a sacred site so that different communities may offer tributes and perform rituals according to their own religions and faiths to the martyrs.
Construction of office building and organisation of public functions as if in general elections has greatly compromised the sanctity of the site besides greatly hurting sentiments of the people coming to Kekrupat to offer tributes to the martyrs.
Reiterating that AMUCO would join the people in offering tributes to the martyrs at Kekrupat, it informed that it will be organising a public meeting at THAU in the form of an awareness programme about the struggle to preserve the integrity of Manipur.
AMUCO further asserted that the event of June 18, 2001 was a part of the people's struggle to safeguard the integrity of Manipur.