Stage set for two-day Manipur visit by President Droupadi Murmu ::: Amidst 'shut down' announced by militants; KZC says the visit offers hope to many who continue to live with "scars" of the ongoing conflict

Preparations are underway in Manipur for President Droupadi Murmu’s likely two-day visit beginning December 11, with authorities stepping up security arrangements following a “total shutdown” call issued by several militant outfits opposing the tour.  

Along the 7-km route from Imphal airport to the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, workers were seen repainting the median and putting up colourful flags. A 20-foot banner greeting the President has been installed near Keisampat Junction on the airport road.

The Coordination Committee (CorCom), a coalition of six banned underground groups in Manipur, has announced a total shutdown across the state from the afternoon of December 11 till December 12, coinciding with the two-day visit of President. 

A statement from the conglomerate condemned the President’s visit, terming it “unacceptable,” and accused the Indian government of carrying out “proxy war and repressive measures” in the state.  

The Nupi Lal movement, commemorated annually on December 12, marks two historic uprisings by Manipuri women against the British colonial administration protesting forced labour and economic exploitation, particularly the export of rice from Manipur.  

The CorCom alliance comprises six valley-based proscribed outfits – Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and its Progressive faction (PREPAK-Pro), Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) the political wing of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

Manipur violence : 2023 

However, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has warmly welcomed the President Murmu's visit. 

"Her presence in the state at this critical juncture carries deep significance and offers hope to many who continue to live with the scars of the ongoing conflict," said a statement from Ginza Vualzong, Secretary, Information & Publicity - KZC.

The President is also likely to attend an event in Senapati district. 

"While we acknowledge these engagements, the Kuki-Zo Council sincerely wishes that the President, being a tribal herself, could also visit the Kuki-Zo areas to meet fellow tribal victims who have suffered immensely since the outbreak of violence.

KZC holds President Murmu in high regard, not only as the First Citizen of the nation but also as someone who understands the struggles, dignity, and identity of the tribal communities," the KZC said.

 

"We remain hopeful that her visit will pave the way for renewed attention to the long-neglected concerns of the tribals of Manipur, particularly the Kuki-Zo people who continue to endure displacement, insecurity, and targeted violence amounting to ethnic cleansing.

We urge the Hon'ble President to take note of the humanitarian crisis faced by our people and to use her esteemed office to ensure justice, restoration, and lasting peace in the region," it said. 

ends