Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jun 07:
Maintaining that it is sacred duty for every citizen of the State to remember and honour those martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the integrity of their State, the United Clubs' Organisation of Bishnupur District (UCOBID) remarked that the supreme sacrifice made by 18 patriots in June 2001 would remain indelible in the history of Manipur.
A statement issued by UCOBID recalled that Manipur was once a sovereign State which is proved beyond any question by its long history.
However, after the annexation of Manipur into the Indian Union on October 15, the people of the State have been living under the colonial rule of the Government of India for the last 50 years, it asserted.
Further, alleging that Manipur was forcibly merged into the Indian Union, it stated that the Government of India is deliberately indulging in 'divide and rule policy' among the different indigenous groups of the State and its people put virtually under military rule with the imposition of several colonial and draconian laws.
Reminding of the historic mass rally of August 4, 1997 organised by the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) which was participated by more than 5 lakh people, stood firm against any threat to the integrity of Manipur, it countered that the Government of India failed to read the message of the biggest public rally in South-East Asia.
Notwithstanding the sentiment of the people of Manipur and its long history, the ceasefire between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) was extended 'without territorial limit' on June 14, 2001 which was responded with a momentous uprising against the diabolic conspiracy of the State and Union Governments, retold UCOBID.
To remember the martyrs of the uprising and to pay homage to them is the sacred duty of every citizen of the State, it reiterated adding that 18th June would be observed this year too as '5th Unity Day' at Bishnupur Community hall.