Manipur remembers its martyrs on Great June Uprising Day

Imphal, June 18 (ANI): Residents of Imphal on Friday observed "The Great June Uprising Day" in memory of those who were killed during a nationalist agitation in 2001.

The United Committee of Manipur (UCM), an apex body of various social and political groups, has been observing the day to remember the 18 people who died during the agitation against the extension of cease-fire with a rebel group in Nagaland.

"The UCM has been organizing this commemoration function of the Great June Uprising Day in memory of the departed souls and the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of territorial integrity of Manipur," said Dilip Yumnamcha, president of UCM.

Manipuris who were present at the memorial said that the martyrs had given them a new confidence to defend the integrity of the State.

"All those brave people who sacrificed their lives to keep the border of Manipur intact, have inspired us with new confidence. Today, we have come to offer flowers to the martyrs. It gives us new confidence and love for our homeland," said Roshnikanta, a resident.

The NSCN-IM had agreed to a ceasefire in August 1997 and launched a peace process with the Central Government to bring an end to the Naga insurgency.

It has participated in several rounds of talks with central officials since the start of the cease-fire.

Nagas have been demanding the integration of Naga-dominated areas in Nagaland. While most of the Nagas live in Nagaland, some are in the bordering areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. ANI)