Decks cleared for June 18 observance
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 16 2025: The Observation Committee of the 24th Great June Uprising, Unity Day, has urged people to demonstrate their collective resolve to protect Manipur's territorial integrity against threats of any magnitude on June 18 .

Speaking to media persons at Kekrupat memorial complex, Pheiroijam Nando Luwang, chairman of the Observation Committee and All Manipur United Clubs Organisation president, said that preparations are nearly complete for the observance of the 24th Great June Uprising on Wednesday jointly organised by AMUCO and United Committee Manipur (UCM).

On June 14, 2001, the Indian Government signed the Bangkok Declaration, popularly known as the ceasefire agreement, with the NSCN-IM which included the words "without territorial limit".

Despite appeals from the people, the Indian Government did not remove the contentious phrase from the agreement.

As a result, on June 18, 2001, people from all walks of life took to the streets in protest, shouted slogans vowing to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and stormed the Imphal Raj Bhavan, the Chief Minister's Bungalow and the State Assembly.

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

Since then, UCM and AMUCO have organised the Great June Uprising, Unity Day to pay homage to the 18 bravehearts who laid down their lives on June 18 and the following days, said Nando Luwang.

Aside from honouring the martyrs, the ceremony will also show the Manipuri people's stand against the "divide and rule policy" of India which reportedly seeks to sow seeds of discord within the different communities in the State, he added.

The AMUCO president also called for widespread public participation in the blood donation camp to be held at Kekrupat as a part of the 24th Great June Uprising, Unity Day.

The day is set to begin from 5 am with different programmes.

Meanwhile, YK Dhiren, vice chairman of the Observation Committee and UCM president, urged people to cease all festivities for the day (June 18) and help make the Great June Uprising Unity Day observance a success.

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