IMPHAL, June 14: The All Manipur United Club Organisation (AMUCO) steadfastly re-affirmed its stand to confront any threat to Manipur territorial Integrity during the observance of 15th Protest Day held at Kwakeithel market shed.
Speaking to media persons in this regard AMUCO President Y Mani Khuman said, June 14 is being observed as ‘Protest Day’ as a mark of protest to the signing of the peace agreement between the government of India and the NSCN-IM.
The India government and NSCN-IM had signed an agreement to extend the cease fire agreement without territorial limits.
The signing of the peace deal by extending the cease fire without territorial limits is considered as an attempt to distort the territorial integrity of the state by AMUCO, he said.
The NSCN (IM) and the Government of India had signed a ceasefire agreement on August 1, 1997.
On June 14, 2001 the Bangkok Declaration which extended the ceasefire to without territorial limits was signed between the two sides, he said.
Vehemently opposing the extension of the ceasefire without territorial limits, AMUCO conducted public meetings on June 14 and 15, 2001 and resolved to impose a 66-hour State-wide bandh, he recalled.
As the agitation spread on June 18, 2001, the public unable to remain calm came out in full force and demonstrated against the ceasefire extension as a result 18 civilians lost their lives to the bullets of the security forces.
However, the mass public agitation shook the government which had to revoke the extension of the ceasefire without territorial limits, he continued.
He said it was the collective effort of all sections of the society that made the Government of India revoked its earlier declaration.
AMUCO always stood for the Manipur Integrity and their stand remains firm, he asserted adding that it would selflessly alongside various communities residing in Manipur, continue to stand against any threat to Manipur territorial boundary and integrity.
AMUCO is always in ready to confront such physical threat which can hurt the sentiment of Manipur and its territorial integrity said Y Mani Khuman.
As a mark of protest, large number of AMUCO Volunteers joined the ‘Protest Day’ including its president Dr Y Mani Khuman, father of social worker, Th Iboyaima (advisor AMUCO) and many other civil societies volunteers.
It may be recalled that protestors vehemently denouncing the cease fire extension the state assembly secretariat was burnt down.
Moreover, 18 civilians were killed by the security forces during the protest.
Finally unable to bear the protest of the people the India Government finally withdraw the three words “without territorial Limit’ in the cease fire extension on July 27. Till date marking the June 18 protest which was blown out of proportion, has been commemorating the day in large scale as ‘June Uprising Day’ annually.
