Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Dec 11: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday assured the people of Manipur that the Government of India stands firmly with every family affected by months of unrest, emphasising that restoring peace and addressing public concerns remain the Centre's “highest priority.”
Speaking at a civic reception hosted by the Manipur government at the City Convention Centre, the President said the Centre is fully aware of the hardships faced by citizens due to the prolonged ethnic violence. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13. “The government is committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security, and supporting Manipur in its journey towards development,” she said, stressing that inclusive and equitable progress was central to the Centre’s approach.
During the ceremony, President Murmu inaugurated 12 projects worth Rs 207 crore and laid foundation stones for 14 additional projects valued at Rs 1,180 crore across the state. These cover education, sports, health, tribal development, agriculture, renewable energy, community and security infrastructure, roads, urban services, traditional industries, handloom and handicrafts, and the iconic all-women Ima markets. She said these projects would improve the quality of life in Manipur, boost tribal development, generate employment and accelerate economic activity.
Calling Manipur a land of “resilience, courage and extraordinary cultural richness,” the President praised its contributions to sports, defence forces, art, culture and public life. She highlighted the state’s historic women-led movements — the Nupi Lal agitations of 1904 and 1939 — describing them as powerful examples of women’s empowerment. “The brave women of the Nupi Lal succeeded in making colonial and feudal powers accept their fair demands. They inspire every Indian,” she said.
Murmu said she was confident that communities from the hills and valley would work together with “renewed harmony” to take the state towards lasting peace and prosperity. “We should strengthen Manipur as a state where every child feels safe, every woman feels empowered, every community feels included, and every citizen moves ahead towards a brighter future,” she urged.
President Murmu arrived in Imphal on Thursday afternoon for her maiden two-day visit to the state. She was received at Bir Tikendrajit Airport by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and senior civil and security officials and was accorded a guard of honour. Earlier in the day, she witnessed a polo exhibition match at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung, believed to be one of the world’s oldest polo grounds. Security has been intensified across Imphal and in the Senapati district. The Kuki-Zo Council, the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribes, has welcomed her visit.
On Friday, the President will visit the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal to honour the women freedom fighters and later travel to Senapati to address a public meeting and inaugurate additional projects. Her visit comes around three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tour of Manipur in September, his first since the ethnic violence began in May 2023.