Aware of pain, state issues top priority: Murmu in Manipur

On her first visit to Manipur since assuming charge of the country’s highest constitutional office and since the state was hit by ethnic strife in May 2023, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said taking care of the concerns of Manipur was the highest priority for the government.

She 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 of Manipur is the highest priority for the government.”

“The Centre remains fully committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security and supporting Manipur in its journey towards stability and prosperity. It is also committed to promote equitable development across the state and will ensure that the fruits of development and progress reach each and every corner of the state,” said Murmu.

In view of the President’s visit, militant organisations under the banner of the Coordination Committee, a combine of banned bodies, called for a bandh from 1 pm on Thursday till her departure.

The President, addressing a civic reception hosted by the Manipur Government, said the state was the gateway to India’s vibrant engagement with South-East Asia. “Manipur’s youth, culture and natural beauty make it a state with unlimited potential,” said the President.

She also lauded Manipur’s women, saying the historic Nupee Lal or women’s wars were waged twice during the early decades of the 20th century by the brave women of Manipur. “They succeeded in making the colonial and feudal powers accept their fair demands. They inspire every Indian,” said the President as she began her two-day visit to Manipur.

Murmu said, “We must strengthen Manipur so that every child feels safe, every woman empowered, every community included and every citizen hopeful.”

While the militant bodies imposed a shutdown, a Meitei- majority organisation Arambai Tenggol urged the President to address the concerns of internally displaced persons and demanded that the National Register of Citizens be implemented in Manipur.

Over 260 persons have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the violent clashes between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and hill dweller tribal community of Kukiss in the state since May 2023.

The state has been under the President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, after Chief Minister and BJP leader N Biren Singh resigned.

Earlier today, the President also watched a polo exhibition match at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung in Imphal. It is believed to be the world’s oldest active polo ground and the birthplace of modern polo, which originated from the ancient Manipuri game of Sagol Kangjei, a traditional sport played on horseback with unique low goals and special ponies.