Tributes paid to Jun 18 martyrs: Call to implement ILP issued
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 18 2012: The 11th Great June Uprising Day was observed today at Martyrs' Memorial Complex, Kekrupat under the aegis of United Committee, Manipur with the participation of Manipuri diasporas from Bangladesh and other neighbouring States.

Offering of floral tributes to the 18 lives which were lost in safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur on June 18, 2001, and a public meeting marked the observance programme today.

Significantly, the public meeting strongly voiced against the implementation of Article 3 of the Indian Constitution in Manipur.

It also articulated that the Inner Line Permit System be implemented in the State.

A large number of people drawn from various nook and corners of the State and Manipuri diasporas from outside the State offered floral tributes to the 18 martyrs.

Speaking at the occasion, UCM President, Yumnam Nabachandra said the day holds a very significant place in Manipur as the words 'without territorial limit' inserted in the NSCN (IM)-GoI ceasefire agreement signed at Bangkok were removed following the loss of 18 lives in the course of protest against the inclusion of the words on June 18, 2001 .

Tributes paid at Kekrupat

Against the backdrop of potential threats to the territorial integrity of the State, the people of Manipur pledged to stand against any divisive element, he asserted.

Asserting that enforcement of Article 3 of the Indian Constitution in Manipur should be opposed, Adviser of All Manipur Muslim Organisation Coordinating Committee, Md Zakir Hussain stressed on the need to implement the ILP system in the State.

Titular king, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the threat to the territorial integrity of the State is dramatised by few individuals while urging all communities living in the State to protect the integrity of the State.

He further expressed apprehension that the State's territorial integrity would automatically break if the increasing population of non-locals is kept in check.

Founder Vice-President of Manipuri Tengbang Lup, Shillong, Meghalaya, Akoijam Jugindro Meitei said it is now time for the indigenous people of the North East to take step in checking unregulated inflow of migrants in the North East.

Other speakers included President of Aimol Tribe Union, Akhup Serto; Akim Serto of All Manipur Tripura Women Widows' Organisation; vice-President of Kabui Mothers' Association, Manipur, Alu Kamei; President of Kuki Mothers' Association, Rose Mangshi Haokip; social activist Aptala Yambem Debrata; President of Kangleipak Apunba Meira Lup, Leirik Leima; journalist RK Ranendrajit; Adviser of International Peace and Social Advancement, H Ibotombi Khuman; chief of Purum Likli village, Rinneichung Purum; chief of Thangal Sarung, Lengkham Thangal; chief of Ringpam village, Yarteo Tangkhul.

Our correspondent reports from Jiri:The June 18 observance programme was also held in Jiribam at JIMPAL office, Jiribam under the aegis of Jiri Ima Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (JIMPAL) .

Observance of two-minute silence, and offering of floral tribute to pay obeisance to the departed souls marked the June Uprising Day observance programme.The event was graced by Kh Ratan, founder convenor of UCM; president of JIMPAL, S Sushila; adviser of Jimpal, B Sarat Sharma; and adviser of AMSU, E Dewan as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Y Ragini, secretary of WAKAK Jiri branch; secretary of AJMP, Kh Pushpa and ex-president of AJUCA, M Maipaksana have spoke on the occasion which was attended by members of the Meira Paibi and other organisations.