By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: The people of Manipur paid homage to those who laid down their lives for the cause of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the state during the June 18, 2001 uprising against the extension of the cease fire agreement signed between Government of India and NSCN-IM on June 18, 2014.
The day is observed as the 13th Great June 18 Uprising Day – Unity Day every year at the Memorial Complex of the martyrs at Kekrupat, in Imphal where the mortal remains of the 18 martyrs were laid to rest. The function was jointly organized by United Committee Manipur (UCM) and All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO).
MP Haji Abdul Salam paying floral tribute to the martyrs.
People belonging to different ethnic communities in their traditional attires thronged at Kekrupat to pay floral tributes to the martyrs. Members of Parliament, Ministers, MLAs and civil society leaders attended to pay homage to the martyrs. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Lok Sabha MP Dr. T Meinya, Rajya Sabha MP Haji Abdul Salam, Minister (Works) Dr. Kh. Ratankumar, Minister (Social Welfare) A.K. Mirabai, Minister (PHED) I. Hemochandra, Minister (Agriculture) Md. Abdul Nasir, MLA O. Landhoni Devi, MLA P. Brojen, MLA Kh. Joykishan, MLA Md. Fazur Rahim, MLA W. Brajabidhu, MLA N. Biren, MLA Dr. I. Ibohalbi were among those who came to pay homage to the martyrs.
A public meeting was also held at the venue. As a token of respect, simple gifts were presented to the relatives and families of the martyrs and those who were injured in the agitation.
Speakers at the meeting called for bringing peace and unity in the strife torn State. UCM President Y. Nabachandra said that the day is being observed not only in remembrance of the martyrs but also to foster unity and harmony among different communities and make Manipur peaceful, progressive and pluralistic after shedding all ethno-centric agenda and parochial outlook.
The public meeting was attended by representatives of Nupi Samaj, Poirei Leimarol, Kanglamei, Kuki Women’s Union, Koireng Youth Organisation, Kabui Mothers’ Association, All Manipur Muslim Women’s Development Organisation, Manipur Cultural Society, Assam, among others.
On June 18, 2001 people in thousands came to the streets to protest against the Bangkok Declaration of June 14, 2001 which rendered the cease fire pact between the Centre and the NSCN (IM) as a pact not bounded by any territorial limits. Police firing led to the death of 18 persons. For the last 13 years Manipuris had been observing the day as unity day, and it has come to serve as the rallying point for the pro-Manipur integrity group.
The names of the martyrs who had laid down their lives during the June 18, 2001 uprising are:
1. Laitonjam Rajkumar of Uripok Khoisnam Leikai
2. Laishram Ongbi RK Tamphasana of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel
3. Okram Ramananda of Langathel Mayai Leikai
4. Thokchom Lalit of Yaiskul Jamasthan
5. Khoisnam Shinghajit of Liwa Lambi Maibam Leikai
6. Bachaspatimayum Naocha of Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai
7. Amom Rajen of Naoremthong Takhellambam Leikai
8. Kshetrimayum Romeo of Singjamei Kshetri Leikai
9. Gurumayum Dutta of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai
10. Sagolsem Surchandra of Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai
11. Rishikanta Yumnam of Khagempalli Panthak
12. Thokchom Wilson of Nongmeibung
13. Thoudam Guneshwor of Khoijuman Mamang Leikai
14. Konsam Kameshwar of Khurai Konsam Leikai
15. Chabungbam Bharat of Awang Khunou Mamang Leikai
16. Kshetrimyum Jiban of Khurai Konsam Leikai
17. Mayanglambam Manikanta of Awang Sekmai
18. Thingom Birendra of Chingamakha Irom Leirak