Thousands pay tribute to martyrs of June Uprising

Imphal, Jun 18 (UNI) All roads today led to Kekrupat, where 18 martyrs were cremated in June 2001.

Thousands of people from all communities of Manipur wearing traditional dresses came to Kekrupat and paid floral tributes to the martyrs, who died fighting for the protection of territorial integrity of Manipur.

Heavy security arrangements were made to ensure free flow of traffic and the state police and administration had a trying time in managing vehicles.

The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has been observing the day as the Great June Uprising to pay tributes to the martyrs.

In the aftermath of the extension of ceasefire 'beyond territorial limits' between the Centre and NSCN(IM) in June 2001, the people of Manipur strongly opposed the move and in the movement, people burnt the offices of all political parties and residences of the Chief Minister, and MLAs.

The Manipur Assembly had resolved several times to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and the Central government had time and again announced not to extend ceasefire beyond Nagaland. The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) observed the day as the 5th Unity Day at the Gandhi Memorial Hall, Imphal.

Family members of the 18 martyrs, including a woman, who died in CRPF firing were also honoured.

Leaders of various communities, social organisations attended both the functions and most speakers were unanimous in their demand to the government not to yield to the annexationist policy of the NSCN(IM).

The speakers said people were living happily for a long time and the NSCN(IM) started demanding huge portion of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring Myanmar and it had caused tension among different communities in the region.

The speakers demanded amendment to the Indian Constitution so that the territorial integrity of Manipur could be protected. They said the Central government could alter the boundaries of any state and a Constitutional amendment was required so that people of Manipur and other north-eastern states could live peacefully.

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