A tense Manipur waits for President Murmu’s first visit since violence

Imphal: President Droupadi Murmu is set to begin a two-day visit to Manipur on Thursday, marking her first trip to the conflict-hit state since assuming office.

Officials confirmed that the President will attend a function commemorating women’s resistance against British colonial rule and may offer prayers at the historic Shree Govindajee temple in Imphal.

Security has been tightened across the state after militant organisations called for a shutdown in protest against her visit. The bandh, enforced by a conglomerate of banned outfits — the Coordination Committee (CorCom) — began at 1 am on Thursday and will continue until her departure. Markets, schools, and colleges remained closed, while road traffic was sparse.

Murmu’s visit comes three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Manipur on September 13, his first visit since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. The unrest has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands, particularly among the Meitei and Kuki communities.

What’s on the agenda?

Upon arrival, the President will attend a polo exhibition organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department at Mapal Kangjeibung, the Imphal Polo Ground, located near Lok Bhavan. Later in the day, she is expected to visit the Shree Govindajee Temple, regarded as the citadel of Vaishnavism in Manipur, before attending a civic reception at the City Convention Centre. She will spend the night at Lok Bhavan.

On Friday, Murmu is scheduled to participate in the annual Nupi Lan celebrations, which commemorate two historic women-led uprisings against colonial policies in 1904 and 1939. She will also attend a programme in Senapati district, a Naga-majority area.

Preparations are underway at venues across Imphal, with posters and temporary gates erected to welcome the President.

Meanwhile, Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol (AT) has urged the President to address the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and pressed for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur. In a statement, the group said many IDPs continue to live in harsh conditions despite central schemes and called for fair and transparent delivery of benefits. It also raised concerns over unregulated cross-border movement, stressing the need for stronger verification mechanisms.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hill-based Kukis since May 2023.

PTI inputs