Imphal, December 11 (IANS). President Draupadi Murmu will go on a two-day visit to Manipur from Thursday. During this, she will participate in the 86th Nupi Lal Day celebrations in Imphal and lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several development projects in the state capital and tribal populated Senapati district.
In view of the President’s visit, security has been increased in Imphal and Senapati.
Kuki-Jo Council (KZC), the largest organization of Kuki-Jo tribals in Manipur, has expressed happiness over the visit of President Draupadi Murmu. The President will be given a guard of honor upon reaching Imphal on Thursday. After that she will go to the historic Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung) to watch the polo exhibition match. Last month, the seven-day 15th Manipur International Polo Tournament was held at the Imphal Polo Ground (Mapal Kangjeibung), which is considered to be one of the oldest polo grounds in the world.
In the evening the President will attend a civic reception to be hosted in her honor by the Government of Manipur at the City Convention Centre, Imphal. On this occasion, she will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate many development projects.
After this the President will visit Nupi Lal Memorial Complex in Imphal and pay tribute to the brave women warriors of Manipur. Nupi Lal event is celebrated every year on 12 December, in which the event is organized in honor of the two women-led movements in 1904 and 1939, protesting against the British colonial policies, and for the rights of Manipuri women. Later, President Draupadi Murmu will address a public event in Senapati, a Naga populated district, during which she will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several projects for the district.
In view of the President’s visit, both sides of the 7 km long road from Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit Airport to Nupi Lal Memorial Complex have been repaired, repainted and decorated with colorful flags and other decorations. Big banners have also been put up to welcome him at many places along the roads towards the airport.
Meanwhile, the KZC in a statement said the President’s presence in the state during these difficult times means a lot and brings hope to the many people who are still living with the ongoing conflict.
KZC Secretary (Information and Publicity) Ginja Wuljong said, “The Kuki-Jo Council sincerely wishes that the President, who is a tribal himself, should also visit the Kuki-Jo areas and meet the fellow tribal victims who have suffered a lot since the violence started.”
–IANS
SAK/VC