Imphal, 11 December (HS): President Droupadi Murmu reached Imphal International Airport around 1 pm on Thursday, formally commencing her two-day tour of Manipur. Senior officials of the state government welcomed her on arrival, after which she moved straight into a series of pre-scheduled engagements.

Immediately upon landing, the President proceeded to the historic Mapal Kangjeibung, where she watched a polo exhibition match — a gesture highlighting Manipur’s longstanding sporting and cultural heritage. This visit set the tone for a tightly packed itinerary reflecting both ceremonial importance and developmental focus.

Later in the evening, the President will participate in a civic reception hosted by the Manipur government at the City Convention Centre. During the programme, she is expected to lay foundation stones and inaugurate multiple key projects, signalling the Centre’s renewed emphasis on boosting infrastructure and overall development in the Northeast.

Her schedule on Friday will begin with a visit to the Nupee Lal Memorial Complex, where she will pay homage to the brave Manipuri women who led two major agitations against British rule — an event observed annually as Nupi Lal Day in the state.

Subsequently, she will travel to Senapati district to address a public gathering. There, too, she will lay foundation stones and dedicate new development projects aimed at strengthening initiatives in the hill district.

President Murmu’s visit underscores the Centre’s continued engagement with Manipur at a time when efforts remain underway to promote stability, progress and due recognition of the state’s cultural and historical legacy.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash