President Droupadi Murmu began a two-day visit to Manipur on Thursday, coinciding with the 86th Nupi Lal Day celebrations. During her visit, she will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for several developmental projects in Imphal and the tribal-dominated Senapati district, highlighting the central government’s focus on regional growth.

Upon arrival in Imphal, the President was accorded a guard of honour and visited the historic Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung) to witness a polo exhibition match. The venue, among the world’s oldest polo grounds, recently hosted the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament. In the evening, she attended a civic reception hosted by the state government.

On December 12, President Murmu will visit the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex to honor the bravery of Manipuri women who led protests against British colonial policies in 1904 and 1939. Later, she will travel to Senapati, a predominantly Naga tribal district, to inaugurate infrastructure projects and address the public.

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Security has been significantly heightened across Imphal and Senapati to ensure a smooth visit. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) warmly welcomed the President, emphasizing the symbolic significance of a tribal leader addressing tribal regions amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the state.

This visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip in September, during which he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development projects across Manipur, including infrastructure, SEZ buildings, and all-women markets. The focus remains on boosting regional development and addressing socio-economic disparities.

Tribal organizations, including the KZC, hope President Murmu’s presence will draw attention to long-standing grievances of displaced and vulnerable communities, particularly the Kuki-Zo people. Officials expect her engagements to reinforce the government’s commitment to peace, justice, and inclusive development in Manipur.

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