Imphal: Manipur has begun extensive preparations for President Droupadi Murmu’s proposed two-day visit to the state starting December 11.
Preparations are in full swing across Imphal to welcome the head of state, marking her first visit to Manipur since assuming office.
Officials said on Tuesday that workers are repainting the median along the 7-km stretch from Imphal airport to the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex and decorating it with colourful flags.
A 20-foot welcome banner for the President has already been installed near Keisampat Junction on the airport route. Various government departments have also put up welcome banners and hoardings throughout the city.
During her visit, President Murmu is scheduled to attend a programme at the City Convention Centre in Imphal. On the second day, she will take part in the observance of Nupi Lal Day at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex before proceeding to Senapati district, a Naga-majority region, for another event.
Nupi Lal marks two historic women’s uprisings — in 1904 and 1939 — against British colonial actions and is observed every year on December 12.
Meanwhile, the visit has drawn strong opposition from CorCom, an umbrella body of insurgent groups, which has called for a complete shutdown across Manipur on December 11 and 12.
The group claims that the President’s visit will “deepen existing hostility” and alleges that her participation in the Nupi Lal Day commemoration is intended to reinforce central authority in the region.
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Welcoming President Droupadi Murmu’s visit, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) said her presence in the state “holds deep significance and brings hope to many who continue to live with the scars of the ongoing conflict.”
“We sincerely wish that the President, being a tribal herself, could also visit the Kuki-Zo areas to meet fellow tribal victims who have suffered immensely since the outbreak of violence,” KZC stated.
