Manipur pays tribute to martyrs of June uprising

Imphal, Jun 18 (UNI) Defying heavy rain and inclement weather, thousands of people in Manipur today assembled at Kekrupat to offer floral tribute at the memorials of eighteen martyrs, who laid their lives in an uprising seven years ago.

Ministers, legislators, and eminent citizens turned up in groups early in the morning to pay homage to the martyrs, who had laid their lives on June 7, 2001 to protest a government decision to extend ceasefire with the NSCN(IM) in Manipur.

Manipur people refuse to admit the presence of Naga territory in the state.

The protest was so huge that the residences of ministers, political leaders and government officials were burnt across the state.

Organised by the United Committee Manipur, the commemoration of the martyrs was held at Kekrupat.

Religious leaders conducted prayers, which were followed by a gun salute at the memorials.

In the uprising, altogether 18 people, including a woman, were killed during police and CRPF firing. The government then was forced to take back its decision to extend ceasefire in Manipur UNI NS PC AKJ UCS1451