IMPHAL: Kekrupat, where 18 martyrs who laid their lives for the cause of safeguarding Manipur's territorial integrity were cremated, has become a no-man's land despite deployment of four Manipur home guard personnel, lamented the United Committee Manipur (UCM) on Wednesday.
At present, the place is used for washing clothes and dumping waste, said the UCM which developed the site.
During the people's uprising against the extension of the Centre-NSCN (IM) ceasefire beyond territorial limits in June 2001, the 18 protesters were killed in police firing.
Offices of all political parties, assembly building and residences of ministers and legislators, including the chief minister's bungalow, were also burnt by people during the protest. In its aftermath, the UCM was formed by various social bodies.
To remember their sacrifice, the UCM has been organizing "The Great June Uprising" at Kekrupat since 2002. The committee, in a statement, said it has been trying its best to develop Kekrupat into a sacred site for veneration. After the state government took over the area, which falls under Kanga, the Kangla Fort Board deployed four home guard personnel to guard it.
Sadly, the personnel haven't performed their duties properly, said the UCM statement, adding that Kekrupat has now become a dumping ground for people living in the vicinity.
"For how long one should remain mum on seeing dumping of garbage, washing of clothes and other such activities inside the sacred Kekrupat complex?" questioned the UCM.
Stating that a UCM team on Tuesday morning saw some people fishing in a pond in the Kekrupat complex, the UCM said such activities should be stopped immediately.
The chief minister, who is also the chairman of the Kangla Fort Board, and also holds the home portfolio, should initiate necessary disciplinary action against the four home guards men, demanded the UCM.
"They should be transferred and replaced by a fresh group of personnel to guard the sacred venue," said the statement issued by the UCM.