IMPHAL: President of India Droupadi Murmu, during her maiden visit to Manipur on Thursday, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to restoring peace, harmony, and inclusive development in the strife-torn state.
Speaking at a civic reception held at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal East, President Murmu appealed to the people of both the hills and the valley to extend cooperation and work collectively for peace and reconciliation.
“I am aware of the pain and hardships that the people of Manipur have endured following the unfortunate violence,” she said. “Taking care of the concerns of Manipur’s people is the highest priority for the Government of India. The Union Government remains fully committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security, and supporting the state’s journey toward stability and prosperity.”
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She added that the Centre would continue to promote equitable development across the state, ensuring that the “fruits of progress reach every corner of Manipur.”
During the programme, the President inaugurated 12 completed projects worth Rs 206.97 crore, covering sectors such as agriculture, tribal development, power, drinking water, education, sports, health, and entrepreneurship.
She also laid the foundation stones for 14 new projects worth Rs 1,180.21 crore, which include initiatives in handloom and handicrafts, health, power, general administration, road and bridge infrastructure, tourism, drainage, and sports development.
“These projects will generate employment, accelerate economic activities, and improve the quality of life of the people. They will also reflect a more modern and inclusive Manipur,” the President also said.
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President Murmu arrived in Imphal at around 12:45 pm and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at Imphal International Airport.
Before attending the civic reception, she visited the historic Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Polo Ground), one of the world’s oldest polo fields, where she witnessed a match. The ground had recently hosted the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament.
On Friday morning, the President is scheduled to attend the Nupi Lal Day commemoration at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal, before proceeding to Senapati district, where she will address a public gathering and launch new development initiatives.
Nupi Lal, observed every year on December 12, marks two women-led uprisings in 1904 and 1939 against British colonial rule.
In preparation for the President’s visit, both sides of the 7-km stretch from the airport to the memorial complex were repaired, repainted, and decorated with welcome banners and flags.
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