Imphal, Dec 12: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday assured the people of Manipur that addressing their concerns remains the government’s “highest priority” as she began her maiden visit to the violence-hit state and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹1,387 crore.
Speaking at a civic reception at the City Convention Centre here, the President said she was deeply conscious of the suffering caused by the 17-month-long unrest. “I am aware of the pain of people of Manipur who have gone through for the unfortunate violence. Taking care of the concerns of the people of Manipur is the highest priority for us. My government stands with every affected family,” she said.
Murmu inaugurated 12 projects worth ₹207 crore and laid foundation stones for 14 projects amounting to ₹1,180 crore, covering sectors such as healthcare, sports, power, drinking water, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and rural development. She said the initiatives would generate employment, improve public services and accelerate economic growth in the state.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to peace and stability, the President said, “The Union government remains fully committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security, and supporting Manipur in its journey towards stability and prosperity.” She urged people across both the hills and the valley to work together to restore harmony. “I call upon people from hill and valley communities to continue to remain together with renewed harmony,”she said
Describing Manipur as a “land of resilience, courage and extraordinary culture”, Murmu lauded the state’s contributions in sports, arts and public service. She also paid tribute to the women-led Nupi Lal uprisings against colonial rule, saying, “The women of Manipur inspire every Indian.”
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who received the President, said her visit reflected the “close bond between the state and the highest office of the republic.” He said Manipur’s people had shown “remarkable resilience, patience and unity” despite facing unprecedented challenges. Authorities, he added, were working on “healing, reconciliation and confidence-building so every citizen lives with dignity and renewed hope.”
Murmu arrived at Imphal International Airport in the afternoon and later attended a polo exhibition match at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung before moving to the civic reception. She is scheduled to meet internally displaced persons, attend the Nupi Lal ceremony on Friday and travel to Senapati district to address a public gathering and launch further development initiatives.
A coalition of six banned underground groups called a total shutdown to protest the presidential visit, leading to the closure of educational institutions, markets and public transport across the state.
