Keisham Meghachandra Singh also pressed the government to ensure the safe return of thousands of internally displaced people and restore unrestricted movement across the state. He demanded strong safeguards to protect the rights of every citizen.
President Droupadi Murmu landed in Imphal on Thursday afternoon, marking her maiden two-day visit to Manipur at a time when the state remains under President’s Rule following a prolonged phase of ethnic unrest. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla received her at Bir Tikendrajit Airport, and the security contingent presented her with a ceremonial guard of honour.
Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Chief Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh, welcomed her as she began her first visit to the conflict-scarred state since assuming office.
Security agencies intensified vigilance across Imphal and the Senapati district ahead of the visit, with multiple departments coordinating to ensure smooth movement and incident-free engagements.
Her arrival comes roughly three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi toured the state for the first time since violence erupted in May 2023.
The Kuki-Zo Council, the apex body representing Kuki–Zo tribes, extended a warm welcome to the President, calling her visit a hopeful moment for the troubled region.
Yet, the Imphal Valley witnessed partial disruption after the banned Coordination Committee (CorCom) enforced a shutdown from early Thursday to protest her tour.
President Murmu’s first major engagement includes a visit to the historic Imphal Polo Ground, Mapal Kangjeibung, considered one of the oldest polo grounds in the world.
She will watch a special exhibition match just weeks after the venue hosted the 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament.
Her evening programme features a civic reception organised by the Manipur government at the City Convention Centre, where she will unveil and lay foundation stones for a series of developmental projects aimed at reinforcing the Centre’s focus on the Northeast.
On Friday, she will pay homage to the state’s legendary women warriors at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex. The Nupi Lal movements of 1904 and 1939, led entirely by Manipuri women against oppressive colonial policies, remain a defining chapter in the region’s collective memory.
Later, in Senapati district, she will address a public gathering and inaugurate key projects aimed at spurring socio-economic growth in the Naga-dominated region.
Meanwhile, Congress escalated its demands during her visit. Manipur Congress chief Keisham Meghachandra Singh urged the President to dissolve the 12th Manipur Assembly and call for fresh elections within six months. He insisted that only a renewed mandate can restore democratic legitimacy.
He argued that the urgent restoration of democratic governance must be prioritised.
Keisham Meghachandra Singh also pressed the government to ensure the safe return of thousands of internally displaced people and restore unrestricted movement across the state. He demanded strong safeguards to protect the rights of every citizen.
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