Committee gets ready for June 18 Uprising, Unity Day

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 16 : The Observation Committee of the 21st Great June Uprising, Unity Day has called on the people of Manipur  to take a fresh stand to protect the unity and integrity of Manipur.
Speaking to the media at Kekrupat today, chairman of the observation committee Joychandra Konthoujam and vice chairman Pheiroijam Nando Luwang urged every Manipuri to be 'wary of the divisive tactics' of the Government which could create animosity among the indigenous people.
Joychandra, UCM president, continued that the committee will observe the Great June Uprising & Unity Day this year too to recall the historic movement of June 18, 2001 wherein 18 people who came out to the street to protest against the signing of Bangkok Declaration between the Government of India and NSCN-IM on June 14 of the same year were gunned down by security forces.
He said that the signing of the controversial agreement was reacted sharply by the people of Manipur as it posed a serious threat to the wholeness of Manipur.
Saying that CSO and Meira Paibi  leaders as well as the people of Manipur will offer floral tributes to the memorial of the 18 brave Manipuris who laid down their lives to protect Manipur on the occasion on June 18, the UCM president said that a massive public meeting will also be convened on the day to take a collective stand to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur.
Further stating that preparations are already completed to observe the day, he urged all to take part in the observance and pay their respect  to the martyred.
AMUCO president Nando Luwang said that people here should be watchful as certain elements continue to threaten the co-existence of indigenous people here and the boundary of Manipur.
Saying that people of Manipur and CSOs including AMUCO showed their stiff opposition to the ceasefire agreement by holding a massive protest as it contain a provision which threatens the integrity of Manipur, Nando Luwang maintained that the committee has also arranged around 2,000 vehicles for  the convenience of the people who is willing to attend the observance.
He said that many Manipuris residing outside the State will also attend the 21st Great June Uprising, Unity Day.