The United Committee Manipur (UCM) observed the annual Langban Heitha Leithaba (Tarpon) at the Kekrupat Memorial Complex, paying homage to the martyrs of the Great June 18 Uprising.
Martyrs’ family members, UCM leaders and members, and representatives of various civil society organisations offered floral tributes and observed prayers in memory of those who lost their lives during the uprising.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines, UCM president YK Dhiren called upon the people of Manipur to remember the sacrifices made over the decades and uphold the spirit of the June 2001 mass uprising, which, he said, demonstrated the collective strength and identity of the people of the State.
Speaking on the prevailing situation in Manipur, Dhiren alleged that the present crisis was the outcome of a “divide and rule” policy pursued by the Government of India, which, he claimed, had contributed to divisions among different communities in the State.
He alleged that attempts had been made since before 2001 to weaken and destabilise Manipur, but maintained that the unity of the people had enabled the State to withstand such challenges.
UCM President Yk. Dhiren said Manipur is home to 36 communities and alleged that differences among them had increasingly been exploited over the years, resulting in greater separation along ethnic lines.
Referring to the conflict that began between the Kuki and Meitei communities on May 3, 2023, he alleged that proxy forces were being used to sustain attacks and killings. He further claimed that the conflict had subsequently extended to Naga-inhabited areas, creating another source of tension and making peaceful coexistence among the different communities increasingly difficult.
According to Dhiren, the prevailing situation suggested that policies of the Government of India were contributing to further divisions within Manipur and potentially fragmenting the State into smaller sections.
He stressed the need for the people to remain united and cautioned that continued movement along separate ethnic lines could deepen existing divisions and increase the possibility of further fragmentation.
Yk. Dhiren said communities currently living separately must find ways to understand one another, engage in dialogue and rebuild mutual trust.
He called for sustained efforts towards peaceful coexistence, saying that dialogue and mutual understanding were essential for restoring social harmony and preserving the unity of Manipur.
The 33rd Anniversary of Khongjom Tarpan was observed at the Khongjom River in Diamond Radio Complex, Thoubal District where hundreds gathered to pay floral tributes to the martyrs of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 .
In the meantime, the Khongjom Tarpan (Langban Tarpan Katpa) ritual was organized by the Khongjom War Memorial Trust (KWMT) to commemorate the forefathers who laid down their lives at Khongjom.
Dr. Yumnam Premananda Singh, Head Department of Law, Manipur University and Former Minister and President of the Khongjom War Memorial Trust Moirangthem Hemanta led the people in offering tarpan to late freedom fighters at the Khongjom River.
Former Minister M. Hemanta Singh said the importance of remembering the sacrifices of heroes like Paona Brajabashi, stating, “Many martyrs have gone and many will come, but their sacrifice for the motherland must always remain our priority”.
He lamented that the present generation lacks the courage and selflessness shown by the forefathers, adding that they cannot even sacrifice their positions for the motherland.
He continued that the Khongjom Tarpan has been observed annually since 1994, a tradition initiated by late Minister Moirangthem Ibotombi and Khongjom Prabha Padmashree Awardee Ibeni. Though the ritual was previously held at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex, it was shifted to the Diamond Radio Complex starting in 2023, due to government restrictions.
Hemanta further stressed that the ritual remains significant as it helps the people remember the great forefathers by paying tribute in remembrance of their sacrifice made for the freedom of their motherland.