President Murmu begins two-day Manipur visit amid rebel boycott

President Droupadi Murmu began her maiden two-day visit to Manipur on Thursday amid a statewide shutdown called by armed rebel groups. Despite the boycott, the President reiterated New Delhi’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, stability, and prosperity in the state.
Addressing a civic reception at the City Convention Centre in Imphal, Murmu assured the people that the Centre was giving the “highest priority” to their concerns.
“My government remains fully committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security, and supporting Manipur in its journey towards stability and prosperity,” she said, while urging citizens to support measures for peace and development.
The president acknowledged the pain endured by the people following the violent crisis that erupted over two and a half years ago, which claimed more than 260 lives and displaced over 60,000. She emphasized that the Centre stood with every affected family and expressed confidence that “people from the valley and the hills will remain together with renewed harmony.”
Murmu also highlighted the Centre’s commitment to equitable development across the state, noting Manipur’s resilience, cultural richness, and progress on several development indicators. She praised the state’s tradition of self-empowerment and women’s empowerment, recalling her privilege of honouring four Manipuri women during a national handicraft ceremony.
Earlier in the day, the President laid foundation stones for 14 major projects worth Rs. 1,180 crore and inaugurated 12 completed works valued at Rs. 207 crore, covering tribal development, infrastructure, electricity, drinking water, education, health, and sports. She expressed hope that these initiatives would improve the quality of life and contribute to a modern, inclusive Manipur.
Upon arrival at Imphal airport, Murmu was welcomed by Governor Ajay Kumar Balla and senior officials. She inspected a guard of honour before proceeding to the historic Mapal Kangjeibung Polo Ground, where she witnessed a special polo exhibition match featuring Sagol Kangjei, the ancient form of polo, alongside a modern match celebrating Manipur’s legacy as the birthplace of the sport.
The day concluded with a cultural programme following the civic reception. On Friday, the President is scheduled to visit the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex to pay tribute to the women who revolted against British trade monopoly, before addressing a public function in Senapati, where she will lay foundation stones and inaugurate projects for the district.
Normal life across Manipur was disrupted by the shutdowns imposed by rebel groups Coordination Committee (CorCom) and National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM). Educational institutions, markets, shops and government offices remained closed, while traffic volume dropped sharply and inter-state transport services were suspended.
Police reported no untoward incidents during the strike, which will remain in effect until the President concludes her visit.