IMPHAL, June 18: The June 18 Manipur Unity Day was observed by All Manipur United Clubs at Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) ground today.
The tribal community representatives who spoke at the function appealed that for following year observation, the twin functions held separately should be conducted in unison.
The function began with the badge presentation to the presidium members by volunteers of AMACSU. The keynote address was given by NC Modhuchandra, general secretary of AMUCO.
He mentioned that the day is remembered for the martyrdom of 14 individuals who were shot by the security personnel, later another 4 persons gave their lives in protest against the Bangkok agreement signed between the NSCN (IM) and Indian government.
The day of signing the agreement was decried under the name of “Protest Day” by AMUCO, afterwards the territorial integrity of the state has been attacked in the form of a supra state later, such disruptive policies still continue, he said.
The main objective of the observation is to unify the different communities and the northeastern states, he said.
Songpung Thoitak, Chairman of Waithou Chiru village said that their village has about forty households and each family represents by sending one member to the June 18 observations. “We divide our team in half, one half at UCM and another at AMUCO,we wish that the observations could be held jointly so that we can all participate”. He mentioned that leaders of civil organizations should have the sense to bring about unification among the public, “Both organizations should do the right thing, shouting unity will not do, words has to be translated into action”, he said.
Thambaljao Chothe, chief of Lamlanghuppi in a similar motion also urged that gathering that the Unity day should bring about unification and the separate observations should be carried out under one banner in future. He said that one must learn to give up their selfish motives; only then true unity will emerge a reality.
President of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba exhorted that from next year onwards, it would be best to hold the observation jointly.
KT Rehman, AMUCO president in his speech also promised that as per the wishes of the public, AMUCO will initiate measures to observe the Unity day under a common theme and location. He mentioned that advice in the regard from the general public is welcomed.
The presidium members included AMUCO president, KT Rahaman,T Darsinkup Kharam representing Nongmaijing Area Komren Development Committee, Chungjalal Singsit, vice president of Thadou Tribe Union, DL Kabui of Kabui Dharma Samiti Manipur,Pastor Kungsong Wanbe of Koireng ELDER,Beny Chiru, president of AMESCO, Anek Vaipei, chairman of Vaipei People Council,Priyadarshini Gangte of Gangte Tribe, Yaima Maring of Maring Naga Baptist Union Manipur, Ch Chothae, president of Aimol Students Union Manipur,Thambaljao Chothae, chief of Lamlanghuppi, Md Kheiruddin Shah of AMMOCOC, Songphung Thoitak, chairman of Waithou Chiru, M Akhupkom, chief of Thaiyong village, Th Iboyaima, president of Irabot Foundation and L Memchoubi, president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi.
Unity Day was also observed by All Assam Students Union and All Assam Manipur Meira Paibi Co-ordinating Committee at Lahimpur.
A two minute silence was observed and floral tribute paid to the 18 martyrs.
