24th Great June Uprising, Unity Day observed
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 18 2025: In honour of the 18 men and women who sacrificed their lives during the people's movement on June 18, 2001, the 24th Great June Uprising, Unity Day was observed on Wednesday at their res ting place at Kekrupat.

Observation Committee formed by All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) and United Committee Manipur (UCM) observed the 24th edition of the people's uprising on this day in 2001, when people protested against the inclusion of the phrase 'with out territorial limit' in the ceasefire agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) in Bangkok, Thailand on June 14, 2001 .

CRPF personnel opened fire towards protestors on June 18, 2001 killing 14 people with four others succumbing to injuries later.

24th Great June Uprising, Unity Day observed

The controversial phrase was subsequently withdrawn from the agreement on July 27, 2001 .

The solemn observance began early Wednesday morning with 'Yakairol' followed by rituals.

After general salute to the brave souls by Thang-Ta artistes of Huiyen Lallong, AMUCO president Nando Luwang and UCM president YK Dhiren led the people in paying floral tributes to the martyrs.

Family members, functionaries of women and student organisations and people from different parts of the state including members of different communities also paid floral tributes.

The formal function held at the same venue was attended by AMUCO president Nando Luwang, UCM president YK Dhiren, AMUCO advisor Ito Tongbram, UCM consultative members Yumnam Dilipkumar and Khomdram Ratan, AMKIL president L Nganbi, Poirei Lei-marol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur president S Memcha and KANGLAMEI president Y Leirik Leima as presidium members.

In his address, Nando Luwang said June uprising is being observed every year without interruption to take new collective decision of the people to jointly face threats posed to territorial and emotion integrity of Manipur.

He said that the Government of India has long been attempting to distort the territorial integrity of Manipur in one form or another.

The continuing divisive policy of the Government of India not only created mistrust among different communities of Manipur but also rendered the state to unrest situation for a long time.

While engaging in mass movement against attempts to distort Manipur in many phases, precious lives were lost while several others were injured and jailed, he said adding that all these were done by the Government of India.

Historically, the people of Manipur love to live peacefully and accord high hospitality to visitors but the Government of India converted the simple and hospitable people of Manipur as aggressive and protest lovers.

Impact of Government of India's continued attempts to distort Manipur are being felt by the people at the highest level.

The continuing unrest situation in the state for more than two years is also a result of Government of India's attempt to balkanise Manipur, he said.

While alleging that the Government of India has been creating unrest situation in Manipur for a long time, Nando said the present unrest situation is also outcome of India's unrealistic commitment made to some ethnic armed groups.

The present in-communicable situation between two communities of Manipur is also result of Government of India's game and the Centre must be responsible for it.

The Government of India seems to hear some of the voices raised by the people in the wake of eruption of violence from May 3, 2023 but never take proactive action.

24th Great June Uprising, Unity Day observed

On May 19, this year the Government issued a directive to identify illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh within one month.

The directive will complete one month on Thursday but there is no public declaration on the number of illegal immigrants residing in Manipur till date, he said while maintaining that illegal immigrants from Myanmar is a big issue in Manipur and one of the main causes for the present crisis.

Regarding Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Kuki armed groups, Nando Luwang said the SoO had already expired on July 28, 2024 and there is no more questions about SoO as it is non-existent and all armed groups under it are unlawful organisations now.

However, the Government of India is trying to portray itself as a hard-worker by trying to appease people that SoO designated camps will be reduced to seven from 14 and all designated camps will be shifted to the interior areas.

Instead of booking SoO militants and initiating legal action, the Government of India is playing a seemingly political drama, he alleged.

Questioning as to how the Government of India is interpreting the meaning of terrorism within the country or whether the brutal murder of six women and children including an infant in Jiribam was not an act of terrorism, Nando Luwang said the meaning of terrorism or terrorist acts cannot be interpreted in parts.

He urged the Government of India to stop playing game in Manipur so that the people of the state do not raise anti-India voices.

While asserting that Kekrupat is a symbolic place to fight any challenge posed to the integrity of Manipur, Nando Luwang said no power can challenge the territorial integrity of Manipur as long as Kekrupat exists.

No one, be it the Government of India or communities co-existing together, should dream of distorting the integrity of Manipur, he said and called upon all the communities for co-existence, inclusive development and harmonious sustenance.

He continued that the future of the indigenous people of Manipur should be decided self and should not rely on false promises of the Government of India.

In his speech, YK Dhiren stressed the need for understanding the real meaning of observing the Great June Uprising, Unity Day every year and the changes in the path of Manipur society during 24-years.He said that time has come for identifying groups trying to break apart Manipur.

According to YK Dhiren, the people's uprising of June 18, 2001 against the insertion of the word 'without territorial limit' in the ceasefire agreement signed between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) was a spontaneous one to protect territorial integrity of Manipur and there was nothing communal in the movement.

He also stressed the need for deep discussion on resolving the present crisis while maintaining that sentiments cannot be at the forefront as it will create mistrust among communities and never restore normalcy in the society.

On the other hand, a blood donation camp was held as part of the observance with many including women taking part.