Despite Covid restrictions fitting tributes paid to Jun 18 martyrs

By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Jun 18: Though Covid guidelines have restricted large gatherings, befitting tributes, nonetheless, were paid to the 18 people who sacrificed their lives to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur by the families of the martyrs and CSO leaders at Kekrupat on the occasion of 20th The Great June Uprising - Unity Day.
It may be mentioned that on this day in 2001 people from different corners of Manipur took to the streets and torched a number of offices protesting the Bangkok Declaration of June 14, 2001, that inserted the words ‘ceasefire without territorial limits’ in the pact between the NSCN (IM) and Government of India.
The intensity of the protest reached its climax on June 18 and on that day, 18 protesters were gunned down by the security forces. Since then, June 18 has been commemorated as The Great June Uprising-Unity Day every year.
Like last year, the observance of the historic event was held in a low key manner this year too due to the Covid pandemic.
On the occasion, chairman of the 20th Great June Uprising and Unity Day, Pheiroijam Nando Luwang stated that the observance of the event is a reminder that the territory of Manipur cannot be compromised under any circumstances and any challenges that threaten the State territory would be resisted tooth and nail.
Saying that the Government of India and some outside forces have been threatening the territorial integrity of Manipur time and again, he appealed to the  people of Manipur to stand firm against these forces once and for all.
Nando, who is also the president of All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO), continued that supporting the divisive game of the Government of India and oppression of a community for the well being of its own  group is an outdated idea.
"It's time we understand who or what is triggering all these land related issues among the communities in Manipur, '' he urged and cautioned that all these issues have the potential to create a bigger problem that would endanger the territory of Manipur.  
Saying that there is nothing to gain from infighting among communities of Manipur, Nando said that keeping the boundary of Manipur intact should be the responsibility of every  Manipuri.
None can break Manipur as long as the historic Kekrupat and the memorial sites of the 18 brave souls stand tall amidst all adversities, he asserted and added that the hands that are offering floral tributes at Kekrupat are the hands that will protect the territory of Manipur.
He appealed to the people of Manipur to be aware of the hidden agenda of the Government using some militant groups to break the State to pieces.
It is time people be very cautious as the likelihood of utilising political parties to break the State cannot be ruled out, Nando maintained and added that there is no better option for the indigenous communities than to settle together as one harmoniously.
The State Government should also be very aware of the divisive policy of the India Government, he added.
United Committee Manipur, president Sunil Karam, on the other hand, maintained that efforts to break Manipur will never bear fruits.
Further stating that June 18 has been motivating thousands to protect the  boundary of Manipur from all threats, he urged the Government to never play the communal card while implementing any developmental projects or working to conclude any issue.
Sunil also said that he is glad to see people observing this day at different  localities.