June 18 : A Day of Unity, Sacrifice, and Remembrance
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Chingthang Nambam
Every Manipuri needs to rethink the idea of Manipur beyond the narrow projections of identity politics. We must learn to live together and stand together for the sake of future generations. June 18 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a day deeply cherished by all those who truly love and care for our homeland.
A little over two decades have passed, yet the same spirit and the same slogan that echoed during the agitation continue to resonate today: "Long Live Manipur." Manipur is everything to us and to every Manipuri. While some civil society organizations strive to promote harmony and peace among different communities, others continue to pursue divisive agendas that are incompatible with the very idea of Manipur.
History teaches us that divided societies do not endure for long. In today's rapidly changing global political and economic landscape, Manipur is living through fear and pain. As a small State within the Indian Union, with a limited population, we cannot survive as a fragmented society. We are multilingual and multicultural; every community has its own aspirations and dreams. Yet geographically and historically, we share this land of 8,628 square miles. We have created countless memories together on this soil, memories that cannot be erased.
Late Prof Naorem Sanajaoba once observed that pan-Nationalism is not feasible in the 21st century. History itself bears witness to the fall of regimes built upon aggressive identity-based Nationalism, such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy under Mussolini. These examples remind us that exclusion and division cannot provide lasting solutions.
My Memory of June 18
It was the afternoon of June 15. Khwairamband Keithel seemed unusually restless. My friends and I, who often spent our evenings walking around the Shahid Minar area, noticed a sense of unease in the air. On my way back, I bought an evening newspaper, one of the most popular sources for breaking news at the time.
The newspaper vendor was shouting, "Bandh! Bandh!" Curious, I asked, "Karigi Bandh no?" (Why the bandh?)
An elderly woman selling vegetables nearby replied, "Manipur will be broken. AMUCO has called a three-day bandh."
Surprised, I asked her how that could be possible.
The old woman, whom we respectfully called Abok, responded firmly, "Even the British could not break us. Let us see. We must fight."
On June 16 and 17, several parts of Imphal witnessed growing protests. Then came June 18. From early morning, thousands of people poured onto the streets. My friends and I joined the protest and headed towards Keisampat, where one of the first major confrontations began.
Like me, thousands of people came out to defend what they believed was the unity and integrity of Manipur. Even today, countless Manipuris remain ready to make sacrifices whenever that unity and integrity are challenged.
Tribute to the Martyrs
My humble tribute to the martyrs of June 18. Your sacrifice continues to guide us. The path you illuminated with your courage remains a source of inspiration for future generations.
"Athouba singi hakchang dagi makhongdagi chentha-khiba eekheng na Manipur Ema gi leimaida teihouba adugi khongunda, mara khongun ngashigi meerol na leeri."
Long Live Manipur.
Every Manipuri needs to rethink the idea of Manipur beyond the narrow projections of identity politics. We must learn to live together and stand together for the sake of future generations. June 18 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a day deeply cherished by all those who truly love and care for our homeland.
A little over two decades have passed, yet the same spirit and the same slogan that echoed during the agitation continue to resonate today: "Long Live Manipur." Manipur is everything to us and to every Manipuri. While some civil society organizations strive to promote harmony and peace among different communities, others continue to pursue divisive agendas that are incompatible with the very idea of Manipur.
History teaches us that divided societies do not endure for long. In today's rapidly changing global political and economic landscape, Manipur is living through fear and pain. As a small State within the Indian Union, with a limited population, we cannot survive as a fragmented society. We are multilingual and multicultural; every community has its own aspirations and dreams. Yet geographically and historically, we share this land of 8,628 square miles. We have created countless memories together on this soil, memories that cannot be erased.
Late Prof Naorem Sanajaoba once observed that pan-Nationalism is not feasible in the 21st century. History itself bears witness to the fall of regimes built upon aggressive identity-based Nationalism, such as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy under Mussolini. These examples remind us that exclusion and division cannot provide lasting solutions.
My Memory of June 18
It was the afternoon of June 15. Khwairamband Keithel seemed unusually restless. My friends and I, who often spent our evenings walking around the Shahid Minar area, noticed a sense of unease in the air. On my way back, I bought an evening newspaper, one of the most popular sources for breaking news at the time.
The newspaper vendor was shouting, "Bandh! Bandh!" Curious, I asked, "Karigi Bandh no?" (Why the bandh?)
An elderly woman selling vegetables nearby replied, "Manipur will be broken. AMUCO has called a three-day bandh."
Surprised, I asked her how that could be possible.
The old woman, whom we respectfully called Abok, responded firmly, "Even the British could not break us. Let us see. We must fight."
On June 16 and 17, several parts of Imphal witnessed growing protests. Then came June 18. From early morning, thousands of people poured onto the streets. My friends and I joined the protest and headed towards Keisampat, where one of the first major confrontations began.
Like me, thousands of people came out to defend what they believed was the unity and integrity of Manipur. Even today, countless Manipuris remain ready to make sacrifices whenever that unity and integrity are challenged.
Tribute to the Martyrs
My humble tribute to the martyrs of June 18. Your sacrifice continues to guide us. The path you illuminated with your courage remains a source of inspiration for future generations.
"Athouba singi hakchang dagi makhongdagi chentha-khiba eekheng na Manipur Ema gi leimaida teihouba adugi khongunda, mara khongun ngashigi meerol na leeri."
Long Live Manipur.