UCM holds Langban ritual for 18 martyrs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2026: Members of the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and family members of the 18 martyrs of the Great June Uprising of 2001 performed Langban Heitha Leithaba ritual at the Kekrupat memorial today.

Speaking on the occasion, UCM president YK Dhiren said the ritual was dedicated to the 18 martyrs who lost their lives for Manipur's integrity on June 18, 2001 .

When Manipur's territorial integrity has been threatened constantly, people, unitedly, have fought to protect and safeguard her.

The Great June Uprising of 2001 demonstrated unity and the sheer will and determination of the communities to protect the State's integrity, he said.

UCM holds Langban ritual for 18 martyrs

Dhiren further asserted that the ongoing conflicts are a design to drive wedge between communities and break Manipur into pieces.

Accusing the Government of India of using armed Kukis as proxies, Dhiren said the conflict which broke out on May 3, 2023 between Meitei and Kuki communities has now expanded with a fresh violent conflict between the Kuki and Naga communities.

The Meitei-Kuki and Kuki-Naga conflicts are designed to drive wedges between the communities, divide them and break Manipur apart.

People should stand against such designs to protect and safeguard the State, Dhiren added.

To save Manipur, communities must come together and take a united stand, he said.

If communities keep prioritising and focusing on their individual interests, those who seek to destroy Manipur will succeed.

All the communities therefore must work together to build a collective identity and push for coexistence to protect the State, he added.

To curb violence and restore normalcy, the Government and its law enforcing agencies must establish the rule of law, identify and crack down on those who are brewing trouble and causing unrest, Dhiren said.

Amid the unrest in the State, the Government shouldn't make false claims of having restored peace and pull wool over the eyes of the people, he said.

Thousands of internally displaced people are still languishing in relief camps, and the Government is still unable to rehabilitate them and provide adequate aid and benefits of schemes, he added.

To resolve the conflicts and restore peace, the Government must stop focusing on temporary measures and implement long term policies which could genuinely address the problems facing the State, Dhiren said.