IMPHAL, June 19 � Manipur on Thursday observed the 14th anniversary of the Great June Uprising Unity Day here by paying floral tributes to the departed souls of the June 18, 2001 incident.
People from different parts of the State streamed into Kekrupat here to pay their homage and offer a salute to the brave hearts who died in security forces firing.
Family members of the slain persons, people from different communities, political leaders, including Ministers, ruling and opposition MLAs and civil society organisations turned up to pay respects to the departed souls.
The observation was jointly organised by All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and United Committee Manipur (UCM) since the past two years at Kekrupat. People remembered the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives in security forces� firing when the former took to the streets after the then Central Government inserted the clause �without territorial limits� in the ceasefire agreement with NSCN (IM). Around 22 persons lost their lives in the public protest.
The memorial service was followed by a public meeting which vowed to safeguard the territorial integrity of the State. Imphal wore a deserted look during the observation as public places including markets, business establishments and educations institutions remained closed while local transport services remained suspended.
