“I am aware of the pain and hardships that the people of Manipur have endured following the unfortunate violence,” President Droupadi Murmu said speaking at a civic reception held at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal East.
The President also watched a Polo-Exhibition Match at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung.
"YOUTH, CULTURE AND NATURAL BEAUTY OF MANIPUR MAKE IT A STATE WITH UNLIMITED POTENTIAL" - President
This is President's first visit to Manipur since the Meitei-Kuki conflict erupted in May 2023.
The President urged the people of Manipur to continue supporting measures for harmony and development.
She said that we should together strengthen Manipur as a state where every child feels safe, every woman feels empowered, every community feels included.
“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," she said.
The Kukis demand a "separate administration" for lasting peace; while Meiteis want a National Register of Citizens (NRC) be implemented in Manipur to detect "illegal Chin-Kuki migrants" from neighbouring Myanmar.
The President said 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 said.
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.
Manipur has remained under the President's Rule since February this year.
More than 260 people belonging to both Meitei and Kuki communities have died and over 60,000 others have been displaced due to the conflict.
Meitei MLAs especially from the BJP have also been demanding restoration of the government in the state citing improvement in law and order in the past few months.
Meiteis also demand that a National Register of Citizens be implemented in Manipur to detect "illegal Chin-Kuki migrants" from neighbouring Myanmar.
The Kukis demand a "separate administration" for lasting peace.
ends
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