Murmu calls for reconciliation between communities in Mnp

President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the brave women warriors of the “Nupee Lal” even as she described Manipur’s diversity its greatest strength during her maiden visit to Senapati district before concluding her two-day visit in the restive state amid rebel sponsored total shutdowns on Friday.
Murmu’s day-two visit in the state began with paying tribute to the brave women warriors of the “Nupee Lal” which Manipur observed on Friday to commemorate the brave women of the erstwhile Manipur kingdom who fought for justice against the British colonial rulers and monopolistic trade interests.
Like each year, Manipur commemorates the Nupee Lal which refers to two women led movements in Manipur against British colonial policies in 1904 and 1939.
Accompanied by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly, MLAs and top officials of the state government, the President laid wreaths to a statue of the “Nupee Lal” at the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex, Imphal, honouring the departed women freedom fighters of the state.
After the tribute ceremony, Murmu headed to Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal’s Palace Compound where she offered her prayers.
Later, the President visited Senapati district headquarters where she interacted with internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering at various relief camps in neighbouring Kangpokpi district in the presence of state Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and top officials of Kangpokpi and Senapati districts. It was followed by a meeting with leaders of the Maram tribe, the only PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) in Manipur.
She later attended a function at the Multipurpose Hall, where a short film on the Maram tribe and PM JANMAN initiatives was screened. Addressing the gathering, the President said PM JANMAN was one of the key programmes to uplift tribal communities, especially PVTGs, and emphasized the importance of inclusive and sustainable development.
“The unique culture of Maram contributes to India’s tribal diversity” she said.
Asserting that Manipur’s diversity is its greatest strength, she urged all communities to work together for peace, reconciliation and shared progress.
She said, “Manipur’s true strength lies in its cultural and linguistic diversity, stressing that the hills and the valley have always complemented each other like two sides of the same beautiful land.”
The President emphasized the need for harmony among communities while highlighting the Centre’s commitment to ensuring dignity, security and greater development opportunities for the tribal population. She reiterated the Centre’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development and well-being of Manipur’s tribal communities.
She also urged all communities to continue supporting the efforts for peace, understanding, and reconciliation.
She added that increasing the participation of tribal communities in the nation’s progress was a key priority for achieving balanced growth in the state.
Murmu added that the Central government was working closely with local leaders, civil society groups and communities to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Manipur, particularly in remote tribal regions.
In recent years, she said, the hill districts have seen focused investments in road and bridge connectivity, healthcare, education, drinking water and electricity supply, while skill training, self-help groups and Van Dhan initiatives are also helping improve livelihoods.
The President also expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated projects and foundation stone–laid institutions would strengthen education, security, healthcare and community infrastructure, bringing essential services closer to remote areas.
Commenting on the commemoration of the Nupee Lal Day, she said, “Today the nation commemorates the Nupi Lal memorial day which is the prime example of the female voice in bringing about positive social change.”
“Manipur has rich cultural diversity with a large number of tribal communities. This diversity is evident in Senapati district. I attended a reception at Taphou Naga village where I was accorded a warm welcome by representatives of tribals of the district, met with displaced persons,” she added.
“Let us continue working together for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur’ she urged.
The President left Imphal by a special aircraft this afternoon, concluding her two-day visit in the state amid total shutdowns calls given by armed rebel groups boycotting her visit in the state.
With her departure, the total shutdown strike imposed by the Coordination Committee (CorCom) and National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) that commenced from 1am of Thursday also ended with no untoward incident.