Imphal: The 25th ‘The Great June Uprising, Unity Day’ was observed on Thursday in Imphal, accompanied by renewed calls for the protection of Manipur’s territorial integrity and unity among its people.The observance was organised by the committee comprising the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) and the United Committee Manipur (UCM), and took place at the June 18 Memorial Complex at Kekrupat in Imphal.People from various communities and different sections of society paid tributes to the 18 individuals who were killed during protests against the extension of the ceasefire agreement between the Govt of India and the NSCN-IM “without territorial limits” in 2001. The day is observed throughout Manipur as a symbol of the collective struggle to preserve the state’s territorial integrity.Co-convenor of the observance committee, Shanta Nahakpam, said the day commemorates those who sacrificed their lives to safeguard Manipur’s territorial integrity. He expressed concern that justice has not yet been served for the victims of the incident and pointed out that several cases related to the 2023 ethnic conflict remain unresolved despite investigations by top agencies, including the NIA.He called on the Govt of India to ensure justice for all victims and to address the ongoing crisis in Manipur through a transparent and inclusive peace process. “The people of Manipur are still prepared to make sacrifices to protect the state’s integrity, administration, and territorial boundaries,” he said.Meanwhile, BJP Manipur unit spokesperson and MLA Kh. Ibomcha also paid tribute to those who laid down their lives for the state. He urged the people, especially the younger generations, to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs and to uphold their ideals by prioritising nationalism and patriotism above all else.
People pay floral tribute to the martyrs at Kekrupat on Thursday
