President of India Droupadi Murmu, during her two-day visit to Manipur, addressed a civic reception in Imphal, highlighting the Union Government’s resolve to restore peace, rehabilitate internally displaced persons and bring the ongoing crisis in the state to a definitive end through sustained development and strengthened harmony.
Addressing the gathering in the presence of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and other dignitaries, the President said she was deeply touched by the reception accorded to her and described Manipur as a land of resilience, courage and profound cultural richness. She noted that Manipuri citizens have consistently enriched the nation through their contributions in sports, the armed forces, art, culture and public service.
Referring directly to the crisis that has gripped the state since May 2023, President Murmu said she was fully aware of the pain and suffering caused by the violence. She assured that addressing the concerns of every affected family remains the highest priority of the Union Government. She stated that the Government stands with every victim and reaffirmed that the Centre is committed to strengthening harmony, ensuring security and supporting Manipur in its journey toward stability and prosperity.
The President further stated that the crisis must be overcome through inclusive development, equitable distribution of resources and the rebuilding of trust among communities. She emphasised that developmental interventions, particularly in connectivity, health, infrastructure, education and rural development, have already brought visible improvements and will continue to be deployed to consolidate peace and stability.
President Murmu also announced that she would personally meet internally displaced persons in Imphal later in the day to hear their concerns. She said that ensuring the safety, rehabilitation and long-term well-being of displaced families is central to resolving the crisis and restoring normalcy across the state.
Earlier, the President inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple projects across sectors, including tribal development, agriculture, infrastructure, electricity, drinking water, education, health, handloom and handicrafts, tourism and sports. She said the projects would generate employment, improve public infrastructure and accelerate economic activity, forming a critical part of the broader effort to rebuild Manipur on the pillars of inclusivity and trust.
Highlighting Manipur’s strategic role as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, the President praised the state’s youth, natural beauty and cultural dynamism. She stressed Manipur’s strong traditions of women’s empowerment, recalling that four women from the state were recently honoured at the National Handicrafts Award Ceremony.
She paid tribute to the historic Nupi Lal movements and said she would offer floral tributes at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex the following morning. She also drew attention to the ecological and cultural assets of the state, including Loktak Lake and Manipur’s legacy as the birthplace of modern polo, noting her appreciation of women players during an exhibition match she witnessed earlier in the day.
Expressing confidence that communities of the hills and the valley will move forward together with renewed harmony, President Murmu appealed to the people to continue supporting peacebuilding and developmental measures. She called for a collective effort to build a Manipur where every child feels safe, every woman empowered, every community included and every citizen able to move ahead toward a bright future.
She concluded by asserting that the people of Manipur possess the resilience and capability to lead the state out of the crisis and towards lasting prosperity and happiness.