'Manipur will remain as Manipur, no Kukiland, no Nagalim' Renewed pledge taken to protect Manipur at Uprising, Unity Day

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 18 : The 21st Great June  Uprising, Unity Day was observed today amid moderate rain and took a collective resolution to not compromise the unity and integrity of Manipur under any circumstances.
At the observance organised by the Observation Committee which is a conglomerate of All Manipur United Club's Organisation (AMUCO) and United Committee Manipur (UCM) at Kekrupat, a large number of people offered tributes to the memorial of 18 persons who were killed in police firing during the agitation against extension of ceasefire agreement between NSCN-IM and the Government of India in 2001
The observance began with a yakairol which translate as “the Awakening” and it was followed by other rituals. General salute was also given to the 18 'martyrs' by a Thang-Ta troupe.
Later, a floral tributes was paid to the memorial at Kekrupat, following which a public discussion programme was held in the attendance of Observation Committee chairman Joychandra Konthoujam and vice chairman  Pheiroijam Nando Luwang among others.
Many CSO leaders from other States also took part in the observance.
The organising committee also bestowed simple gifts to the family members of the 18 martyrs and later a blood donation camp was held.
Delivering his speech, co-convenor of the observation committee Dr Norendro Thokchom said the people's movement of June 18, 2001 was triggered by the signing of the Bangkok Declaration between the Government of India and NSCN-IM on June 14, 2001.
Continuing that the cause of the agitation was the inclusion of the clause "Without Territorial Limit" in the ceasefire  agreement, Norendro maintained that 18 Manipuris were gunned down by the security forces on June 18, 2001.
"It was a fierce agitation as many even torched several Government structures including the building of Manipur Legislative Assembly," he recalled referring to the incident of June 18, 2001.
Saying that the anniversary is being observed since 2002 to recollect the historic movement, he appealed to all to take a firm resolution to protect the State.
Nando Luwang also spoke at the event.
He said that the purpose of observing the day is not only to pay tributes to the 18 martyrs but a message to all elements including the Government of India which allegedly intend to disintegrate the State.
Claiming that the Central Government has been scheming to disintegrate the State  using different tactics, Nando Luwang urged all to be on guard and take a fresh resolution to protect the unity and integrity of Manipur.
At one time Manipuris were harassed and beaten for demanding Statehood and inclusion of Manipuri language in the eighth schedule of the Constitution, he said and appealed to the State Government to understand the sentiment of the people.
He further appealed to all concerned to refrain from devising a plan to disintegrate the State.
Chairman of the Observation Committee, Joychandra Konthoujam said that they will steadfastly oppose all moves  which threaten the unity of Manipur.
The territorial and emotional integrity of Manipur is not compromisable under any circumstances, he added.
"Manipur will remain as Manipur and questions of Kukiland or Nagalim should never  be raised," he asserted and said, " we should know who our friends and foes are very well."
"None will come to protect our land and so the onus lies with us Manipuris," Joychandra said and appealed to all to take  a collective stand to protect the State.
Earlier, June 18 was declared as  holiday by the State Government so that its officials could attend the observance which is important to every Manipuri, Joychandra said and appealed to the BJP led Government to declare June 18 as a public holiday from next year onwards.
Claiming that the boundary of Manipur has been shrinking over the years and filled with disputes, Joychandra said that most of the Border Pillars (BP 79 to 102 ) erected along Indo-Myanmar are controversial.
Urging the State Government to understand the sentiment of the people and save the boundary of Manipur to avoid unrest, Joychandra further urged the State Government to halt the fencing construction works along the border areas within two days (by June 20).
He further stated that large scale deforestation for poppy plantation and other purposes in hill areas has greatly affected the biodiversity.
Joychandra asserted those engaged in poppy plantations are the enemy of the  State.
He also appealed to the State Government to extend some sort of assistance to Manipuris living in other States.