Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur observed the 25th Great June Uprising Day on Thursday, gathering thousands at Kekrupat in Imphal to pay tribute to the 18 individuals who lost their lives during the 2001 state integrity protests. The event featured floral offerings, traditional rituals, and a ceremonial salute performed by Thang-Ta artistes.
Organized by the United Committee Manipur and the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation, the day marks the anniversary of the 2001 unrest. The protests erupted after the central government extended a ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (IM) without territorial limits, sparking widespread fears regarding the state's borders. Police firing during these demonstrations resulted in 14 immediate deaths, while four more people died later from their injuries.
United Committee Manipur secretary general Shanta Nahakpam emphasized the lasting significance of the tragedy. He stated, "June 18, 2001, as a defining moment in Manipur's history and said those who died had sacrificed their lives to protect the state's territorial integrity." Nahakpam also noted that families of the victims are still awaiting justice and pending reports related to the killings.
The observance committee chairman, YK Dhiren, used the platform to appeal for unity across all communities in the region. He warned against prioritizing narrow communal interests while also voicing criticism toward the central government regarding the state's current security situation and the ongoing ethnic violence that began in 2023.
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