President Murmu Calls for Peace and Unity in Divided Manipur During Historic Visit

President Droupadi Murmu offers prayers at Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal

Imphal/New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu today emphasized that Manipur's true strength lies in its diversity. During her visit to the conflict-affected state, she highlighted how the hills and valleys have historically complemented each other, urging communities to move beyond divisions toward reconciliation.

Manipur has remained under President's rule since February.

This marks President Murmu's first visit to Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki tribes.

Addressing attendees at a program in Senapati district, located 60 km from Imphal, she delivered a message of unity: "Manipur's strength lies in its diversity, its culture, languages, and traditions. The hills and the valley have always complemented each other. Like two sides of the same beautiful land, I urge all communities to continue supporting the efforts for peace, understanding, and reconciliation."

She reaffirmed the central government's commitment to the state, saying, "The government of India recognises the aspirations of the people of the state. I understand with total empathy your concerns and desires for a peaceful and prosperous future. I reiterate the government of India's commitment to the well-being and progress of the people of Manipur, including the people of the region."

Before visiting Senapati district to meet members of the Maram Naga tribe and internally displaced persons (IDPs), the President offered prayers at the historic Shree Shree Govindajee Temple in Imphal.

Governor AK Bhalla shared visuals of President Murmu's visit to the temple, which dates back to 1846 under Maharaja Nara Singh, noting its distinctive white edifice and gold-plated domes against the winter sky.

The President also paid floral tributes at the Nupi Lan (Women's War) memorial, honoring Manipur's women warriors who fought against British colonial forces in 1904 and 1939.

Governor Bhalla remarked, "Nupi Lan was not merely a protest but a powerful testimony of women's collective leadership and social consciousness. The brave mothers of Manipur transformed their pain into courage that culminated in a movement that continues to inspire generations. Their sacrifices remind us that the progress of any society lies in respecting and empowering its women."

During her visit to Senapati district, President Murmu acknowledged the area's cultural diversity with its numerous tribal communities. "I attended a reception at Taphou Naga village, where I was accorded a warm welcome by representatives of tribals of the district, and met with displaced persons," she stated.

She highlighted the Maram Naga tribe as Manipur's only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), noting that "The unique culture of Maram contributes to India's tribal diversity. The growth and opportunities of tribal communities of Manipur and ensuring their greater participation in the country's progress is a national priority."

The President noted recent infrastructure developments in Manipur's hill districts, including improved road connectivity, healthcare facilities, education, drinking water, and electricity supply.

During her two-day visit, President Murmu also witnessed a game of sagol kangjei (polo) at Imphal's Mapal Kangjeibung, renowned as the world's oldest active polo ground.

Some Kuki civil society organizations expressed disappointment over what they termed "stepmotherly treatment." These groups, along with 10 MLAs from hill districts and insurgent groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, continue to advocate for a separate administration for their regions.

The ethnic conflict, which began over issues including land rights and political representation, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced nearly 50,000 people.

While outright violence has subsided, Kuki organizations remain hesitant to return to the valley areas, citing safety concerns from the May 2023 violence. This has created a stalemate preventing Meitei IDPs from returning to their homes in Kuki-dominant districts.

Yesterday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) directed Manipur's Kangpokpi district authorities to submit an action-taken report regarding complaints about unsafe passage along National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Dimapur in Nagaland.

The petition by Imphal resident Asem Roshan Singh alleged "ongoing denial of constitutionally guaranteed rights arising from the continued obstruction of National Highway-2" in Kangpokpi district, claiming the blockade has severely impacted civilians through "fear, extortion, abduction and ethnic targeting."

Banned Meitei insurgent groups hiding in Myanmar had called for a boycott of the President's visit, continuing a pattern established decades ago. However, security forces including the Assam Rifles, army, and Manipur Police had successfully contained active insurgency before the current ethnic conflict began. Analysts suggest these banned groups will likely fade as younger generations reject involvement in historical conflicts.