Imphal, Dec 11, 2025: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday emphasized the Centre’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace, security, and all-round development in Manipur, urging citizens across both the valley and hill regions to cooperate in restoring harmony. Her remarks came during a two-day visit to the state, which has been grappling with the aftereffects of ethnic violence that erupted in 2023.

Arriving in Imphal earlier in the day, President Murmu was received at Imphal International Airport with a ceremonial guard of honour, marking the start of a visit focused on development, reconciliation, and recognition of the state’s rich cultural heritage. She then visited the historic Imphal Polo Ground, locally known as Mapal Kangjeibung, to witness a polo match before heading to the City Convention at Palace Compound, Imphal East, where she addressed a civic reception programme.

Acknowledging the hardships faced by the people of Manipur, Murmu said, “I am aware of the pain that the people of Manipur have gone through following the unfortunate violence. Taking care of the concerns of the people is the highest priority for the government.” She assured that the Union government remains fully committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security, and supporting Manipur in its journey towards stability and prosperity. “The government is also committed to promoting equitable development across the state and ensuring that the fruits of development and progress reach each and every corner,” she added.

Inauguration of Projects and Development Initiatives

During her maiden visit to Manipur as President, Murmu inaugurated 12 development projects worth ₹207 crore, covering a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, tribal development, power, drinking water, education, sports, health, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, and general development. These projects are expected to generate employment, accelerate economic growth, and improve infrastructure across the state.

In addition, she laid the foundation stones for 14 projects totaling ₹1,180 crore. These projects span critical areas such as handloom and handicrafts, health, power, general administration, drinking water, security, roads and bridges, infrastructure, drainage, sports, and tourism. The President highlighted that these initiatives are designed to not only bolster economic development but also strengthen social cohesion and improve the quality of life for citizens throughout the state.

President Murmu urged the people of Manipur to support one another to ensure a peaceful and harmonious state. She said, “Only through collective effort and mutual cooperation can Manipur fully realize its potential and move towards inclusive and sustainable development.”

Tributes and Outreach

On Friday, the second day of her visit, Murmu is scheduled to pay tribute to Manipur’s women freedom fighters at the Nupi Lal ceremony. Nupi Lal commemorates two historic uprisings led by women in 1904 and 1939 against British colonial rule and is observed annually on December 12. Following this, she will travel to Senapati district, where she will address a public gathering and launch additional development initiatives aimed at improving local infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Security and Shutdown During Visit

Despite the high-profile nature of the visit, the state experienced a total shutdown called by a coalition of six banned underground outfits, who opposed the President’s presence in Manipur. Educational institutions, markets, and public transportation were suspended throughout the day, and the shutdown is set to remain in effect until the conclusion of the visit.

Context: Ethnic Violence and Political Situation

President Murmu’s visit comes amid a backdrop of persistent ethnic tension in Manipur. The state has witnessed intermittent violence since May 2023, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. The clashes have resulted in at least 260 deaths and displaced over 60,000 people. The confrontations initially began between these two communities but gradually involved almost every ethnic group in the state.

The situation escalated to the point where the state government was dismissed in February 2025, and President’s Rule was imposed to stabilize governance. Despite the deployment of thousands of security personnel, sporadic violence has continued, highlighting the urgent need for sustained efforts in peacebuilding, social reconciliation, and development.

In September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur for the first time since the outbreak of ethnic violence, underscoring the central government’s priority in addressing both security and developmental needs. President Murmu’s current visit builds upon that framework, focusing on long-term infrastructure projects, employment generation, and community engagement to foster harmony across the state.

Way Forward

The projects inaugurated and laid during President Murmu’s visit are expected to have a lasting impact on Manipur’s development landscape. With a focus on agriculture, education, tribal welfare, healthcare, sports, and infrastructure, the initiatives aim to provide equitable access to resources while creating opportunities for employment and growth.

By emphasizing cooperation between communities and active participation from citizens, the President highlighted the importance of restoring social cohesion alongside economic development. Her visit serves as a symbolic reaffirmation of the Centre’s commitment to Manipur’s stability, prosperity, and long-term development, signaling a continued focus on both immediate relief and strategic planning for the state’s future.

In conclusion, President Murmu’s visit to Manipur reinforces the message that peace, development, and harmony are interconnected and essential for the state’s progress. With high-level attention from the Union government, new projects and initiatives are expected to catalyze economic growth, strengthen social unity, and ensure that Manipur’s development is inclusive and sustainable.