Participants offering floral tributes to June 18 martyrs during the observation
IMPHAL, June 18: The 14th Great June Uprising Unity Day was jointly observed by All Manipur United Clubs` Organization (AMUCO) and United Committee Manipur (UCM) at Kekrupat memorial complex today in remembrance of the 18 martyrs who sacrificed their lives during a massive protest staged on June 18, 2001 against the June 14 Bangkok Declaration where a dubious and contentious clause `without territorial limits` was added to the agreement signed between NSCN (IM) and Government of India.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam; Commerce & Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam; MLA Ng Bijoy; PHED Minister I Hemochandra; Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai; Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya; president of BJP Manipur Pradesh Th Chaoba and CPI leader Dr Nara led in offering floral tributes at the portraits of the 18 martyrs as mark of respect to the departed souls.
Thousands of people also came to pay homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in trying to protect territorial integrity of the state.
The function started with chairman of the organizing committee Dr Mani Khuman and Vice-chairman Johnson Elangbam hoisting flags of AMUCO and UCM followed by presentation of patriotic songs by artistes of Roop Raag musical group as a tribute to the 18 martyrs.
During the function, gifts were presented to the families of the 18 deceased by the organizing committee. Three persons who were severely injured during the mass protest were also honoured.
In connection with the observation, JNIMS Blood Bank organized a blood donation camp during which around 200 people donated their blood.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/06/fitting-tributes-paid-to-june-18-martyrs-on-14th-great-june-uprising-unity-day/