Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Manipur on Thursday observed the 25th Great June Uprising Day, also known as Unity Day, commemorating the 18 people who lost their lives during the 2001 agitation over the state’s territorial integrity.
Thousands of people, including members of civil society groups, student organisations, women’s groups and families of the deceased, gathered at Kekrupat in Imphal, where the last rites of the 18 victims were performed 25 years ago. Floral tributes, traditional rituals and a ceremonial salute by Thang-Ta artistes marked the occasion.
The observance was organised by the Observation Committee of the 25th Great June Uprising-Unity Day 2026, comprising the United Committee Manipur (UCM) and the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO).
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, UCM secretary general Shanta Nahakpam described June 18, 2001, as a defining moment in Manipur’s history and said those who died had sacrificed their lives to protect the state’s territorial integrity.
Nahakpam alleged that the families of the victims were yet to receive justice and claimed that demands for reports related to the 2001 killings had remained unresolved. Referring to the ethnic violence that began in 2023, he said several cases had been handed over to central agencies and called for justice for all victims.
Meanwhile, YK Dhiren, chairman of the observation committee, appealed for unity among communities and cautioned against pursuing narrow community interests. He also levelled allegations against the Centre regarding the ongoing situation in the state.
The June 18 observance traces its origins to the events of 2001, when the Centre extended its ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (IM) “without territorial limits”, triggering widespread protests amid fears that the move could affect Manipur’s territorial boundaries.
Thousands took to the streets on June 18, 2001, demanding withdrawal of the provision. Fourteen people were killed in police firing during the protests, while four others later succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to 18.
Since then, June 18 has been observed annually in Manipur as a day of remembrance and a symbol of the movement to protect the state’s territorial integrity.