Thousands heed UCM's call to pay tributes to Jun 18 heroes

Imphal, June 18: People in thousands joined Chief Minister O Ibobi in paying rich floral tributes to the 18 persons who died in the people's uprising on June 18 last year as part of the Great June Uprising Day observance organized by the United Committee Manipur at Kekrupat this morning. Ministers of the SPF Ministry, MLAs and leaders of political parties and family members of the martyrs also offered tributes to them. Trumpet and Thang salutes were also offered. An all community prayer was held at Kekrupat from 6 to 8 am. Earlier, the people including members of around 30 different communities began a march from Mapal Kangjeibung and after passing through BT Road, Kanglapat and Khoyathong reached Kekrupat where the tributes were paid. People came in droves at Kekrupat from early morning and tributes were paid late into the evening. UCM sources said around 900 vehicles were used for transporting the public from different areas of the State. All business establishments, both Government and private offices across the State were closed for the day. No private vehicles plied on the roads. The observance had begun right from 2 am with the rendering of Yakairol followed by rituals. The people numbering several thousands later congregated at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium where a public meeting was held. Four resolutions were taken during the meeting. The congregation agreed that all the communities should safeguard the State territory together and reside together by respecting each others' distinct identities; to develop better ties with other neighboring communities particularly Nagas; press the Centre to amend Article 3 of the Indian Constitution and mobilize the people of the State on the issue. It further decided to make use the people's right to opposition if the Centre tries to break up Manipur in the name of bringing peace in the region and drive wedge between communities in the name of tackling insurgency. Among those who sat in the dais included Maharaja of Manipur Sanajaoba Leisemba, Laldawnlien Varte - Hmar Inpui, Meibon Phaomei - ZUCAM, S Jadumani - UCM, Kh Ratan - UCM, TS Kaithang - Simte Youth Org, H Ibotombi Khuman - UCM, Ngamkhohao Haokip -Thadou Tribe Council, Bhagya-chandra Samuphaba - AMSU, MA Halim - Manipur Muslim Historical Society, K Thanga Vaiphei - Vaiphei Tribe Union, P Gangte - KIM, Rev Renghang Chothe, T Nehkhojang - United Zomi Org, Angam Gangte - Gangte Tribe Union NEI, Amrik Pahwa-Imphal Bazar Communi-ties, Thangkhanlal Ngaite -Young Paite Assn, T Chingthung - Peace Sponsoring Society, A Shyam Sharma - RR, Lalthmingmaoria - Mizo People Convention and Zang-khosei Gangte - Gangte Tribe Union. In his speech, Jadumani said today is the day the people of Manipur have been waiting to show that they are against any move to break the State territory. Charging the Centre of indulging in petty politics when the world has stepped towards development and IT trends, he said those who had fled the valley due to false propaganda by certain sections have now returned. He said Manipuris laid down their lives for the love of the land, he said India should realize under what circumstances Manipur was annexed to it. Pointing out hill people have been deprived off their basic needs by successive Ministries, he urged the present Ministry to convert all hill district HQs into cosmopolitan towns. Manipur titular king Sanajaoba Leisemba stressed the importance of amending Article 3 of the Constitution or at least add a clause to it. Gangte community leader Jamkhosei Gangte appealed to the people to shun all kinds of violence; Zeliangrong leaders maintained rulers of the State have maintained the State boundary for ages and it should not be carved out by force. Besides UCM general secretary Kh Ratan, Amrik Pahwa, AMKIL president Sorojini and UCM advisor Ibotombi Khuman, leaders of Hmar, Simte, Kuki, Tangkhul, Zoumi, Paite, Muslim and Mizo communities also spoke on the occasion. Meanwhile altogether 19 persons including women and children fainted during the rally. 9 were hospitalized at RIMS while 9 others were taken to JN. Our CCpur Correspondent said 25 loaded buses left CCpur town for the tribute paying. CCpur markets were closed for the day.