Imphal, Dec 11 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu touched down in Imphal on Thursday afternoon, marking her inaugural two-day visit to the state, which has been under President's Rule since February 13 due to ongoing ethnic conflict.

She was received at Bir Tikendrajit Airport by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.

Upon her arrival, the President was presented with a guard of honour. Attendees included Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and other senior officials from civil, security, and military sectors. This visit is significant as it is her first to the Northeastern state since taking office.

The timing of her visit is noteworthy, coming about three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his appearance in the state on September 13, following the ethnic unrest that began in May 2023.

In anticipation of President Murmu's visit, security measures have been intensified in both Imphal and the Senapati district, which is mainly populated by Naga tribals.

To ensure a smooth visit, various departments and agencies are collaborating closely.

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur, has extended a warm welcome to President Murmu during her time in the state.

Normal activities in the Imphal Valley have been partially disrupted due to a shutdown initiated by the Coordination Committee (CorCom), a group of banned organizations protesting against the President's visit, which commenced at 1 am on Thursday and will last until her departure.

Later in the day, the President plans to visit the historic Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung) to observe a polo exhibition match.

Recently, the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament took place at this venue, recognized as one of the oldest polo grounds globally.

In the evening, she will attend a civic reception hosted by the Manipur government in her honor at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.

During her visit, she will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several developmental initiatives, emphasizing the Central government's commitment to the region.

On Friday, the President will visit the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal to honor the courageous women warriors of Manipur.

The Nupi Lal movement is commemorated annually on December 12, recognizing two significant women-led protests against British colonial policies in 1904 and 1939, advocating for the rights and dignity of Manipuri women.

Subsequently, she will proceed to Senapati, a district inhabited by the Naga community, where she will address a public function and inaugurate various projects.

In the meantime, the opposition Congress has urged the President to dissolve the current 12th Manipur Assembly and hold fresh elections for the 13th Legislative Assembly within six months of dissolution, aiming to restore democratic governance and respect the voice of the people.

Manipur state Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh, in a letter to the President via the state Governor, expressed the expectation that the President's office would take urgent measures to restore peace, harmony, and normalcy in the state.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining Manipur's integrity as a vital component of the Union of India and called upon President Murmu to facilitate the return of all internally displaced persons affected by violence to their homes within a specified timeframe.

Additionally, the Congress leader advocated for the unhindered movement of individuals by road, air, or water, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all citizens in Manipur.