Unity call echoes at June tribute event
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 18 2021: Calls for unity among the different communities living in Manipur echoed during the 20th anniversary of The Great June Uprising, Unity Day which was observed at Kekrupat on Friday along with offering floral tributes to the 18 martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur.

The observance began from early morning.

Later, addressing a commemorative function, Observation Committee chairman and AMUCO president Pheiroijam Nando Luwang said that offering floral tribute is not only a tribute to the martyrs but it is also a pledge to reaffirm the united stand of the people against any threat to the integrity of Manipur.

Government of India has been pitting one community against another to drive wedge among the people and break apart the unity and integrity of the state, he alleged and said that it is time for the people of Manipur to understand this divisive ploy and stand united.

Unfortunately, individuals of some communities believe in this divisive game and policy without even realising the impact it would have on the relationship among people of different communities who have been living harmoniously since time immemorial.

This divisive game has been kept suspended for the time being due to Covid-19 pandemic and nobody knows what the government will do once the pandemic is over, Nando maintained.

Politicians of the state also need to understand the policy of GoI and stand against any attempt to disintegrate the state, he said.

One should understand that future of the state does not lie in creating enmity among the communities and suppressing one another.

One should respect other communities, their religion, religious sites, traditions and culture as disrespect will bring nothing.

People should also take pledge to stand for the unity and integrity of the state while taking Kekrupat as the beacon, he added.

Observation Committee vice-chairman Sunil Karam said that the commemorative programme is a message to the people of the state as well as external threats that Manipuri people will stand firm for its unity and integrity.

He also urged the government not to use UG organisations to create chaos in the society and discord among the communities.

The June 18 incident of 2001 set an example to the world that the people of Manipur can sacrifice their lives for its unity, integrity and identity, he said and added that the same spirit is still with the people.

Without unity, there will be no future for the state.

Indigenous communities should stand against influx of non-locals.

This should be the common agenda for all the indigenous communities of the state.

Unity and sacrificial spirit of Manipuris forced the GoI to withdraw the clause 'without territorial limit' from the ceasefire agreement signed with the NSCN-IM.

Today, the Framework Agreement is once again on the verge of threatening the integrity and identity of the state.

But GoI should know that people of the state will take the same stand they took in 2001 if the agreement affects the state, he said.

Family members of the 18 martyrs of June 18, 2001 Uprising were honoured by the Observation Committee during the event.

Wife of chief minister N Hiyainu, MLAs Karam Shyam, N Indrajit and L Susindro also paid floral tributes to the martyrs.

Members of Manipur State Bharat Scouts and Guides and Covid-19 Task Force Scouts also participated in the event.

On the other hand, intending candidate of Singjamei AC Oinam Romen observed the day at his home by offering floral tributes to the photos of the martyrs.

Similar event was also held at Standard Ro-barth School, Canchipur.

RPI (Athawale) Manipur State also observed the 20th The Great June Uprising Unity Day at its party office at Keishampat here on Friday.

The programme was marked with RPI (Athawale) Manipur State president Ma-heshwor Thounaojam delivering a speech in honour of the martyrs who laid down their lives during the agitation of June 18, 2001 and offering of floral tributes to their photos by him along with party's youth wing president Ningthoujam Popilal and women wing members.

Students' Welfare Committee, Thongju Pheijaleitong in association with Pheijaleitong Apunba Meira Paibi and Ibudhou Koiroulakpa also observed The Great June Uprising, Unity Day at the premises of the Committee on Friday.

As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of the martyrs, which was followed by a candle light vigil later in the evening.

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