Imphal, June 18|Northeast Diary
The heart of Manipur beats heavy with remembrance and resolve today as the state observes the 23rd anniversary of the June 18 Uprising, a watershed moment in the state’s political history. Thousands gathered at the Kekrupat Memorial Complex in Imphal to pay homage to the 13 brave souls who lost their lives defending Manipur’s territorial integrity during the 2001 uprising.
The uprising was sparked by the Government of India’s decision on June 14, 2001, to extend its ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah) “without territorial limits.” For many in Manipur, this phrase signaled a potential redrawing of the state’s boundaries to accommodate the NSCN-IM’s demand for a Greater Nagalim, a move perceived as a direct threat to Manipur’s unity. The response was swift and fiery.
On June 18, 2001, Imphal erupted in protest. Government buildings, including the Manipur State Assembly and the Chief Minister’s office, were stormed and set ablaze by enraged demonstrators. The state witnessed one of its bloodiest days when security forces opened fire, killing 13 young protestors. Since then, June 18 has become more than a date—it is a day of collective mourning, reflection, and affirmation.
The Kekrupat Memorial, where the names of the martyrs are etched in stone, becomes the epicenter of public emotion each year. Political leaders, civil society organizations, student bodies, and citizens across communities gather to offer floral tributes and reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding Manipur’s territorial integrity.