Stage set for observation of 'Great June Uprising' in Manipur

IMPHAL, June 16 ? The United Committee Manipur (UCM), an apex body of various voluntary organisations which spearheaded anti-ceasefire agitation last year, is all set to observe the ?Great June Uprising? on June 18 to honour the martyrs who died in the uprising. Altogether, 18 persons were killed in police firing in course of anti-ceasefire extension agitation in June and July last year. The ceasefire between the Government of India and NSCN(IM) is still in force. According to the leaders of the UCM, around 1,000 buses and other four wheelers will be pressed into service for picking up people from different parts of the State. In order to conduct the observation smoothly, the Committee is also ready to utilise around 1,000 volunteers for guiding and assisting the general public on the day. The main aim of observing the day is not only for honouring the martyrs but also to erase the apprehension of the boundary break up from the minds of the people of the State. The main highlights of the June 18 observation includes all communities? ritual ceremony at Kekrupat and paying of floral tributes to the departed souls at their memorial site at Kekrupat after assembling the public at historic Napan Kangjeibung. A public meeting will also be organised at Khuman Lampak main stadium. The State Chief Minister Okran Ibobi will also to taking part in the floral tribute ceremony along with his Council of Ministers. Besides, other top-ranking government officials will also accompany the Chief Minister in paying homage.

Meanwhile, the police department has made elaborate arrangements in connection with the mass rally to be organised on the day. Addressing a press conference, the inspector general of police (law and order) Y Joykumar said ?the traffic arrangement is being taken up to facilitate smooth conduct of the mass rally?. ?We hope the rally will go off peacefully but we have contingency plans to tackle any unwanted development? the senior IPS officer said. The State police department is also going to utilise over 1200 unarmed personnel along the route of the mass rally. On the other hand, the armed groups would only be kept on stand by, he added.