Northeast Desk, 18th June: Manipur solemnly observed the 23rd Great June Uprising Unity Day at Kekrupat, Imphal, commemorating the sacrifice of 18 individuals who lost their lives during the 2001 agitation to safeguard the state’s territorial integrity. Despite subdued proceedings due to ongoing conflicts, the central act of offering floral tributes to portraits of the martyrs proceeded as planned. Families of the martyrs, alongside representatives from diverse communities, gathered to honor their memory.
Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Organising Committee, underscored the steadfast commitment to protect Manipur’s territorial integrity against external threats. He recalled the 2001 Bangkok Declaration, which sparked widespread agitation in Manipur ultimately leading to its withdrawal. Konthoujam vehemently condemned the Kuki community’s demand for separate administration, emphasizing the imperative of preserving Manipur’s unity.
Khuraijam Athouba, spokesperson for the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, emphasized the ceremony’s significance and reiterated the ongoing dedication to safeguarding the state’s unity. He urged the Government of India to resist appeasing groups advocating for Manipur’s disintegration.
The June 2001 ceasefire agreement between the NSCN-IM and the Government of India, initially containing the controversial phrase “without territorial limit,” had triggered concerns over Manipur’s boundaries. Subsequent protests resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals, arson at the Manipur Assembly building, and an attack on the Chief Minister’s bungalow, prompting the removal of the contentious phrase from the agreement. Since then, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) have annually commemorated the event with solemn floral tributes at Kekrupat.
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