Imphal, August 18: The proscribed KYKL observed its Martyrs' Day today to pay respect to the supreme sacrifice committed by its three cadres on August 18, 1993 .

The main function of the day included stressing the need to inculcate the valour of the three cadres, remembering their supreme sacrifice, to draw strength from their deeds and paying of tributes at the memorial sites at Kha-Potshangbam.

The functions were held at the central headquarters of the outfit, military headquarters, base camps and units.

Recalling the incident, the outfit in a statement today said that three cadres Cpl Thounaojam Brojen, Pvt Salam Ito and Pvt Ningthoujam Basanta were taking shelter at a field at Kha-Potshangbam, when they were surrounded by State police and CRPF personnel on this date in 1993 .

Outnumbered and surrounded from all sides, there was no way for them to fight back or escape.

Despite the call issued by the security personnel to surrender, the three deemed it better to die than to divulge information about the outfit and hence shot themselves to death.

The courage shown by them is exemplary said the outfit and added that to the three cadres the information of the outfit is more valuable than their own lives and hence they preferred to kill themselves rather than fall into the hands of their enemies.

It is to learn this valuable lesson that KYKL has been observing August 18 every year as Martyrs' Day, said the statement.

The observation of the day is not merely about paying floral tributes to their memories but to reiterate the commitment of every revolutionaries to adhere to their promises and pledges.

The pledge that though there will be deaths, the struggle must go on till the goal is achieved should be remembered at all times, said the outfit and added that this is core reason for the observance of the day.

The pledges were reaffirmed today too, it said.

On the obstruction put up by the Government to prevent the people from paying their tributes at Kha-Potshangbam today, the outfit said that this is nothing but robbing the fundamental rights of the people.

It also expressed its deep gratitude to all those who broke through the obstruction and paid their tributes.

Meanwhile, according to report received by the press said that the number of people coming to pay floral tributes at the Potsangbam memorial of the slain KYKL cadres was comparative less than in previous years.

Police Commandos also stopped the people coming in buses from different parts to pay homage at various points.

At Ngaikhong Khunou there was a traffic jam as the police did not allow the buses to go ahead.

One of the drivers was also allegedly manhandled by the police commandos.

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