Decks cleared for June 18 observance

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 16 : Preparations have been completed for the observance of the 25th Great June Uprising, Unity Day at Kekrupat on June 18, to pay tribute to the 18 martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the 2001 uprising.
Addressing the media at Kekrupat today, YK Dhiren, the Observation Committee chairman, appealed to the public to attend the programme and pay homage to the martyrs on the day.
On the chronic issues plaguing Manipur, Dhiren claimed that the Government of India (GoI) has been conspiring to disintegrate the State.
He said that the 2001 uprising was directed against the "divisive policy" of the GoI and not against any community.
Different tribes and communities have been coexisting in Manipur for ages, he added.
Further alleging that the GoI has been using narco-terrorists to target indige- nous communities and create enmity among people, Dhiren urged the public to be aware of the alleged designs of the GoI.
Manipur as a society will not progress if every community works for narrow, community-centric interests, he said, calling for unity among the people.
He again appealed to all the communities to attend the Great June Uprising, Unity Day.
Sanjoy Sorokhaibam, vice chairman of the Observation Committee, questioned whether there is a functioning Government in Manipur.
If a Government exists, it must discharge its responsibilities and protect the civilians, he said, adding that the State Government should not exist merely in name.
All incapable MLAs and Ministers must resign, he said, urging legislators not to turn a blind eye to the alleged proxy war being waged by the GoI using Kuki militants.
He urged the legislators not to wait for people to launch a movement against them.
Sanjoy also urged the State forces to exercise their authority in the hill districts too.