President Droupadi Murmu began her two-day visit to Manipur on Thursday—her first trip to the state since taking office—at a time when security has been tightened and militant groups have called for a shutdown.
Her visit comes just three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s September trip and more than a year after the ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kukis pushed the state into a prolonged crisis.
After landing in Imphal, the President headed straight to Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Polo Ground), a historic venue near Lok Bhavan, to attend a polo event organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department. Later in the day, she is scheduled to offer prayers at the Shree Govindajee temple, one of Manipur’s most important Vaishnavite shrines, where preparations have already been made, according to the temple authorities.
In the evening, Murmu will attend a civic reception at the City Convention Centre before retiring to Lok Bhavan for the night. On Friday, she will take part in the annual Nupi Lan observance—an event that commemorates the women-led uprisings of 1904 and 1939 against British policies. She is also expected to attend another programme in Senapati district, which has a predominantly Naga population.
Imphal has been placed under heavy security for the duration of the visit. The Coordination Committee (CorCom), a coalition of banned insurgent groups, announced a shutdown from 1 am Thursday until the President’s departure. As a result, shops and schools remained shut across the Imphal Valley, and movement on the roads was sparse.
Meanwhile, Meitei group Arambai Tenggol issued a statement urging the President to pay special attention to the condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom are still living in difficult circumstances despite the availability of central welfare schemes. The group called for transparent and unbiased delivery of benefits, saying displaced families continue to place their trust in the nation and that this trust must be respected.
Arambai Tenggol also raised concerns about “unregulated cross-border movement” and reiterated its demand for stronger verification measures, including the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur.
Since ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023, more than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced. With tensions still simmering and humanitarian issues unresolved, Murmu’s visit is being closely watched across the state.