President Droupadi Murmu interacted with members of the Maram tribe, Manipur’s only particularly vulnerable tribal group, in Senapati. On December 12, 2025. Photo: @rashtrapatibhvn/X
Kuki-Zo organizations have resented the “omission” of Chuurachidpur and Canagpkpi districts from the itinerary of President Droupadi Murma’s visit to Manipur, which ended on Friday (December 12, 2025).
The Tribal Unity Committee and other Kuki groups said the president’s visit “completely overlooked the suffering, trauma and unresolved situation” of the internally displaced Kuki-Zo people. They said that even a symbolic recognition of the situation would be meaningful for the 50,000 or so Kuki-Zo people who have continued to languish in relief camps since the outbreak of ethnic conflict with the Meitei people in May 2023.
The Zomi Council, the apex body of Manipur’s eight tribes, said conflict-scarred tribal people in Churachandpur were looking forward to Ms Murma’s visit, who could help heal the suffering of the people in the state.
The Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust said the president’s itinerary “celebrating the historic Meitei resistance in Imphal and launching projects in Naga areas” is akin to the institutionalized erasure of the Kuki-Zo people.
The President began the second day of her visit to Manipur by paying tribute to the state’s women warriors who fought against the British colonial forces during a ceremony to mark the 86th day of Nupi Lal. Nupi Lal refers to two women-led uprisings (1904 and 1939) in which Manipuri women resisted British colonial policies and asserted their rights and dignity.
“The day is a defining example of the power of women’s voices to achieve positive social change,” she said.
Later in the day, she attended a public event in Senapati, the headquarters of the Naga-dominated district, where she also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various development projects. “Dignity, security and growth opportunities for the tribal communities of Manipur and their greater participation in the progress of the country are national priorities,” she said.
President Murmu calls on all communities in Manipur to support peace and reconciliation effortshttps://t.co/LkQI0ELa1T
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) December 12, 2025
The President said the Center is working closely with local leaders, civil society and communities to ensure that development in Manipur is inclusive and sustainable. “The government is paying special attention to the development of remote tribal regions,” she said, pointing out that the state’s strength lies in its cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity.
“Hills and valleys (Imphal) have always complemented each other, like two sides of the same beautiful land,” she said, urging all communities to continue to support efforts for peace, understanding and reconciliation.
Published – 12 Dec 2025 21:30 IST
