President Murmu will begin her visit on Thursday, where she will be received with a guard of honour upon arrival in Imphal. Following this, she will head to the historic Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung) to witness a polo exhibition match. The venue recently hosted the seven-day 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament, and is regarded as one of the oldest polo grounds in the world.
In the evening, the President will attend a civic reception organised in her honour by the Manipur government at the City Convention Centre, Imphal. During the programme, she will also lay foundation stones and inaugurate several developmental projects, highlighting the Centre’s continued focus on boosting infrastructure and growth in Manipur.
Day 2: Nupi Lal Day and Senapati Events
On December 12, President Murmu will visit the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex to pay tribute to the legendary women of Manipur who led two significant uprisings in 1904 and 1939 against British colonial policies. She will then travel to Senapati district, a Naga-inhabited region, where she is scheduled to address a public gathering. Here too, the President will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for various development projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure in the district.
Imphal Undergoes Makeover Ahead of Presidential Visit
Ahead of the President’s arrival, authorities are giving Imphal a facelift. The 7-km stretch from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport to the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex is being repaired, repainted, and decorated with colourful flags and thematic installations. Large welcome banners have also been placed at prominent points along the route to greet the President’s convoy.
Nupi Lal: A Legacy of Women’s Resistance
Observed annually on December 12, Nupi Lal commemorates two historic women-led movements that opposed oppressive British measures and asserted the dignity, rights, and resilience of Manipuri women. The day remains a powerful symbol of the state’s socio-political history.
Second High-Profile Visit to Manipur in 3 Months
President Murmu’s visit comes nearly three months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur on September 13. During his trip, the Prime Minister highlighted the Union government’s commitment to the state’s development, stating that the vision of Viksit Bharat aligns with building a Viksit Manipur.
During the visit, PM Modi inaugurated 17 infrastructure projects worth ₹1,200 crore, including:
- Manipur Bhawan projects in New Delhi’s Dwarka and Salt Lake City, Kolkata,
- The Civil Secretariat,
- The new Police Headquarters,
- The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) building at Mantripukhri in Imphal West,
- Four Ima Markets (women’s markets) at Tengnoupal, Noney, Pallel, and Moirang.
He also laid foundation stones for 19 more development projects worth ₹7,300 crore across different districts, launched from the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a tribal-majority hill district.
President Murmu’s visit is expected to further reinforce ongoing development initiatives while honouring the cultural and historical legacy of Manipur.