The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) observed the 28th Integrity Day at GM Hall, Imphal today, reaffirming the unwavering spirit of unity among the people of Manipur in protecting the territorial integrity of the state. The event served as a solemn tribute to the 18 brave individuals who sacrificed their lives during the mass uprising on June 18, 2001, against the extension of the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and NSCN-IM “without territorial limits.”
The hall was filled with citizens from all walks of life — student leaders, academicians, civil society representatives, local club members, and concerned citizens — who gathered with a shared purpose: to remember, reflect, and reinforce the message of unity, integrity, and resistance against any external threat to the state’s territorial and emotional boundaries.
The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs. Floral tributes were offered at the portraits of the 18 heroes who laid down their lives on June 18, 2001, in one of the most defining moments in modern Manipur’s political history. Their supreme sacrifice is remembered every year as a symbol of collective resistance and pride for the people of Manipur.
In his keynote address, AMUCO President Nando Luwang emphasized the significance of the day, noting that the observance is not merely a commemoration of the past but a reminder of the ongoing responsibility shared by every citizen to safeguard Manipur’s unity and identity. He reiterated AMUCO’s longstanding stand against any agreement or policy that could potentially disintegrate the territorial or emotional fabric of Manipur.
“The people of Manipur stood as one in 2001, and we continue to stand united in 2025,” said the AMUCO President. “Our history is a testimony to the fact that we will not allow any force to divide us. Integrity Day reminds us to remain ever watchful and committed.”
Speakers from various organizations, including representatives from student unions, women’s groups, and senior citizens, addressed the gathering. They reflected on the socio-political situation in the state and the need for a strong civil society to act as the moral compass of Manipur’s people. They also called on the youth to learn from history, preserve the hard-earned unity, and carry the torch of collective integrity forward.
The observance included cultural performances that depicted the unity of Manipur’s diverse communities. Traditional songs, dramatic reenactments of the 2001 uprising, and poetry readings added emotional depth to the event, reminding attendees of the pain and courage of the past.
A photo exhibition was also organized at the venue, showcasing key moments from the 2001 uprising and previous Integrity Day observances. The visuals served as both a record of resistance and an educational tool for younger generations.
As the event concluded, AMUCO renewed its call to all communities of Manipur — Meitei, Nagas, Kukis, Pangals, and others — to continue fostering peace, mutual respect, and solidarity. The message was clear: Manipur’s strength lies in its unity, and any threat to its integrity, whether political or ideological, would be met with a firm and peaceful collective stand.