UCM's public meet lights up Kekrupat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 18 2009: Thousands of people belonging to various communities today paid their homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Manipur on the occasion of the 8th The Great June Uprising Day observance held at Kekrupat here where the mortal remains of the martyrs have been put to rest.

In all 18 people lost their lives during the spontaneous public uprising of June 18, 2001 which opposed extension of the ceasefire without territorial limit signed between the Government of India and Naga rebel group NSCN (IM) at Bangkok on June 14 of that year.

As In Previous Years, All Roads Led To Kekrupat Where Homage Was Paid

Commemorative event commenced since 5 am today along with rendering of Yakairol (invocation) and performing rituals for the departed souls.

Along with General Salute, offering of floral tributes to the martyrs at their memorial complex began since 8.30 am .

A sea of humanity participated in offering floral tributes waiting for their turn in long queues.

The number of people was so large that they were made to go inside the memorial complex in batches.

Organised under the aegis if United Committee Manipur (UCM), a public meeting was also held at the memorial complex.

The meeting proceeded along with honouring the family members of the martyrs with mementos and the opening song rendered by the artistes of Surti Sangam.

UCM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, former UCM advisors RK Ranendrajit, H Ibotombi Khuman, former UCM presidents Sapamcha Jadumani, Konsam Lanngamba, HERICOUN president R Chothe, president of Komrem Union Manipur K Lalkhomang Kom, chairman of Lamlanghupi Village Bishnupur Thambaljao Chothe, chairman of Kangchup Chiru Village Authority Th D Akung, president of Young Vaiphei Association SK Vaiphei, vice president of Kuki Inpi Churachandpur Lamkhohen Kipgen, chairman of Indigenous Tribe Leaders Council Khaipao Haokip, president of Aimol Tribe Union Manipur B Athoi, chief of Purum Likli Village S Rengneichong, president of Kabui Mothers' Association Manipur Kakomlunglu Kamei, member of Manipur State Commission for Women Lingjaneng Gangte, president of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup Ph Sakhi Leima, president of Ching-Tam United Women Association Momon, social worker T Seikam Koireng of Sadu Koireng Imphal, president of Kharam Tribe Union Manipur Umsoman Kharam, chief of Maring Sandang Senba Village Forum M Modar Maring, president of Islamic Cultural Research Association Abdul Rahman, senior citizen from Silchar O Churamani, senior citizen from Hojai L Gulap, president of All Tribal Chiefs Association Manipur Ashang Siro and chairman of Village Authority Sandang Senba Maring Forum Medun Maring were presidium members of the meeting.

Delivering the key note address, UCM general secretary W Second said apart from paying homage to the martyrs, the spirit of the June 18 should remain within all of us.

In his address, Yumnamcha Dilipkumar observed that today UCM cannot confined itself to the issue of territorial integrity alone.

When the people are being killed without any trial every day, what would be point of safeguarding territorial integrity, he questioned.

SK Vaiphei said that the territorial integrity of Manipur can be protected by its hill and valley people together.

Khaipao Haokip maintained that the overwhelming number of people who turn up to pay their homage to the martyrs indicates that no one would be able to disintegrate Manipur.

The commemorative event concluded with devotional songs rendered by the artistes of Roop Raag.