25 years on, Manipur marks Great June Uprising Day, seeks justice for 18 martyrs

Manipur on June 18 observed the 25th Great June Uprising Day, also known as Unity Day, commemorating the 18 people who lost their lives during the 2001 mass agitation to safeguard the state's territorial integrity.

 

The observance was organised by the Observation Committee of the 25th Great June Uprising–Unity Day 2026, comprising the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and the United Committee Manipur (UCM).

 

People from various communities, civil society groups, student bodies, women's organisations and families of the deceased gathered at Kekrupat, where the last rites of the 18 martyrs were performed 25 years ago. The programme began with traditional rituals, followed by a general salute by Thang-Ta artistes and the offering of floral tributes to the martyrs.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, UCM Secretary General Shanta Nahakpam described June 18, 2001, as a defining moment in Manipur's history, saying the protesters had sacrificed their lives to defend the state's territorial integrity.

 

He alleged that despite the passage of 25 years, the families of the victims were yet to receive justice. Nahakpam said demands had been raised for the government to submit reports related to the killings during the 2001 protests, but claimed the issue remained unresolved.

 

Drawing parallels with the ongoing crisis in Manipur since 2023, he said many lives had been lost and several cases had been handed over to central investigative agencies. However, he argued that only a limited number of arrests had been made and called on authorities to ensure justice for all victims of violence.

 

Nahakpam also questioned the Centre's intentions regarding Manipur's future administrative structure, while reiterating that people belonging to the state's diverse communities would continue to defend its territorial and administrative integrity.

 

The June 18 observance traces its origins to the events of 2001, when the Union government signed an amended ceasefire agreement with the NSCN (IM) on June 14, extending it "without territorial limits". The phrase triggered widespread protests across Manipur amid fears that it could affect the state's territorial boundaries.

 

Thousands took to the streets on June 18 demanding the withdrawal of the contentious provision. During the protests, security forces allegedly opened fire on demonstrators, killing 14 people on the spot. Four others later succumbed to their injuries, taking the death toll to 18.

 

Since then, June 18 has been observed annually in Manipur as a day of remembrance and a symbol of the movement to protect the state's territorial integrity.