Imphal, December 13:

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday delivered a strong message of peace, understanding and reconciliation during her two-day visit to Manipur, urging people across communities to look beyond divisions and rebuild trust. Calling Manipur a “beautiful land,” the President said the true strength of the state lies in its diversity, culture, languages and traditions, and reminded citizens that the hills and the valley have always complemented each other.

This is President Murmu’s first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023 between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki tribes living largely in the hill districts. The state has been under President’s Rule since February, following prolonged unrest that claimed over 260 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people.

Speaking at a public programme in Senapati district, about 60 km from Imphal, the President appealed to all communities to support efforts aimed at restoring harmony. She said viewing Manipur through the lens of a hill-versus-valley divide would only weaken the state. Instead, she described both regions as two inseparable sides of the same land, shaped by shared history and mutual dependence.

President Murmu said the Government of India understands the aspirations and concerns of the people of Manipur and remains fully committed to their well-being. She expressed empathy for those affected by the violence and stressed that peace and prosperity are essential for the state’s progress. Her remarks came at a time when many families continue to live in relief camps, uncertain about returning home.

Before travelling to Senapati, the President offered prayers at the historic Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal, a landmark dating back to 1846. The visit highlighted Manipur’s rich spiritual heritage, with the temple’s white structure and golden domes standing out under clear winter skies. She later paid floral tributes at the Nupi Lan memorial, honouring the women of Manipur who led historic movements against British rule in 1904 and 1939.

Speaking about Nupi Lan, President Murmu said it was not just a protest but a powerful example of women’s leadership and courage. She noted that the sacrifices made by Manipuri women continue to inspire future generations and serve as a reminder that social progress depends on respecting and empowering women.

At Senapati, the President met members of the Maram Naga tribe, the only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Manipur. She said the unique culture of the Maram community adds to India’s tribal diversity and assured that the growth and inclusion of tribal communities remain a national priority. Members of the tribe told her that government schemes such as PM-JANMAN and the National Health Mission have improved their access to healthcare and basic services.

President Murmu also highlighted recent development efforts in Manipur’s hill districts, including better road and bridge connectivity, national highways, rural roads, healthcare facilities, education, drinking water and electricity supply. She said such investments are crucial for ensuring balanced development across regions.

During her visit, the President also witnessed a game of sagol kangjei, or polo, at Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal, regarded as the world’s oldest active polo ground, underlining Manipur’s deep cultural ties to the sport.

However, the visit took place amid continued tensions. Some civil society organisations representing Kuki tribes expressed dissatisfaction, alleging unequal treatment. Several groups, along with 10 MLAs from hill districts and insurgent groups under suspension-of-operations agreements, continue to demand a separate administration. While large-scale violence has stopped, mistrust remains, with many displaced families still unwilling to return home.

Despite these challenges, President Murmu’s visit was seen as an attempt to reassure the people and reinforce the message that peace, dialogue and unity are the only paths forward for Manipur’s future.

 President Murmu Calls for Peace and Unity in Manipur, Urges Hills and Valley to Move Forward Together

During her two-day visit to Manipur, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a heartfelt message of peace, understanding and reconciliation, calling on all communities to move forward together. Speaking in Senapati district, she reminded people that Manipur’s true strength lies in its diversity, culture, languages and traditions, and that the hills and the valley have always supported and completed each other.

This was the President’s first visit to the state since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei community in the valley and the Kuki tribes in the hill districts. With Manipur currently under President’s Rule, her visit carried strong emotional and symbolic value for a state still healing from loss, displacement and deep divisions.

President Murmu said the Government of India understands the pain and concerns of the people and remains committed to ensuring peace, well-being and long-term progress. She urged citizens to reject divisions and support efforts aimed at rebuilding trust and harmony. According to her, viewing Manipur through a hill-versus-valley lens only weakens the state, while unity strengthens it.

During her visit, the President offered prayers at the historic Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal and paid floral tributes at the Nupi Lan memorial, honouring the brave women of Manipur who fought against British rule. She described Nupi Lan as a powerful example of women’s leadership and courage that continues to inspire generations.

In Senapati, President Murmu met members of the Maram Naga tribe, the only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in the state. She highlighted the importance of protecting tribal culture and said schemes like PM-JANMAN and the National Health Mission have helped improve lives in hill districts. She also spoke about better roads, healthcare, education and basic services reaching remote areas.

Her visit ended with a clear message: peace, dialogue and unity are the only way forward for Manipur.