Imphal, Dec 11 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu is set to commence a two-day visit to Manipur starting Thursday. During her visit, she will participate in the 86th Nupi Lal Day commemoration in Imphal and will lay the foundation stones as well as inaugurate various developmental projects in the state capital and the tribal-majority Senapati district.

In preparation for the President’s visit, authorities have significantly increased security in both Imphal and Senapati, which is predominantly inhabited by the Naga tribals. Multiple departments and agencies are collaborating to ensure a seamless visit.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), which represents the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, extends a warm welcome to President Murmu during her time in the state. Upon her arrival in Imphal, she will receive a guard of honour and afterward visit the historic Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung) to observe a polo exhibition match. This ground is recognized as one of the oldest in the world, having hosted the seven-day 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament just last month.

In the evening, the President will be the guest of honour at a civic reception hosted by the state government at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. On this occasion, she will also lay the groundwork and inaugurate several developmental initiatives to emphasize the Centre’s commitment to the region.

On December 12, President Murmu will visit the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal to pay homage to the courageous women warriors of Manipur. The day, celebrated annually on December 12, commemorates two significant women-led movements from 1904 and 1939, which protested against British colonial rule and championed the rights of Manipuri women. Later, she will address a public gathering in Senapati, where she is expected to announce various projects aimed at the development of the district.

To enhance the experience for the President, both sides of the 7-km route from Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit Airport to the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex have been refurbished, adorned with vibrant flags and welcoming banners.

This visit marks the second significant official engagement in Manipur within three months, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit on September 13. During his trip, PM Modi emphasized ongoing efforts by the Union government for the state's development, stating that a Viksit Bharat will be complemented by a Viksit Manipur. He highlighted the unfortunate nature of any violence in Manipur, given its rich history of fighting against injustice.

In Imphal, PM Modi inaugurated 17 infrastructure projects worth a total of Rs 1,200 crore from the historic Kangla Fort. These projects included the Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi and Kolkata, a new Civil Secretariat, and the Special Economic Zone building, along with several all-women markets across the state. He also laid foundation stones for 19 development projects valued at Rs 7,300 crore in different regions of Manipur from the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a district with a tribal population.

The KZC has stated that the President’s presence at this pivotal moment is highly significant and provides hope to those affected by ongoing conflict. They expressed a heartfelt desire for President Murmu, as a tribal leader, to visit the Kuki-Zo areas to meet fellow tribal victims who have endured significant hardships since the outbreak of violence.

The KZC holds President Murmu in high esteem, recognizing her as not only the first citizen of the nation but also someone who comprehends the struggles and identity of tribal communities. They are hopeful that her visit will bring renewed attention to the longstanding issues faced by the tribes of Manipur, particularly the Kuki-Zo people, who continue to experience displacement and violence. The KZC urges the President to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis affecting their community and to use her office to advocate for justice and peace in the region.