In a significant day for Senapati district, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu visited the district on Thursday and inaugurated seven development projects while laying the foundation stones for five more. The visit is being seen as an important step towards strengthening basic infrastructure and public services in this hill district of Manipur. The President arrived at the helipad at Taphou Naga Village Ground, where she was received by Manipur Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla. She was also welcomed by Senapati Deputy Commissioner Smt. Mamoni Doley, Superintendent of Police Shri Sheikh Mohammad Zaib Zakir, Maj. Gen. SS Kartikeya, GOC of the 57 Mountain Division, and representatives of the five major tribes of the district. Members of the Mao, Maram, Poumai, Thangal and Zeliangrong tribes greeted the President with traditional items and a cultural welcome. Soon after her arrival, President Murmu interacted with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Kangpokpi district near the Multi-Purpose Hall at the Mini Secretariat Complex. The interaction took place in the presence of the Governor, Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner Shri Mahesh Hiralal Chaudhari and Senapati Deputy Commissioner Smt. Mamoni Doley. The President listened patiently to the concerns of the displaced families and expressed empathy for the hardships they have faced due to the recent conflict.
A formal programme was later held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, where Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla welcomed the President to Senapati district. In his address, the Governor spoke about the natural beauty of the region and the strong cultural traditions of its tribal communities. He said the President’s visit holds special meaning for the people of the hill areas and reflects the Centre’s continued concern for their development and well-being. The Governor highlighted government efforts aimed at the upliftment of tribal communities, especially the Maram tribe, which is the only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Manipur. He referred to ongoing work to improve healthcare, road connectivity and water supply, and stressed that balanced development of both hill and valley areas remains a priority. He also said the government is working to restore peace, unity and trust among all communities. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said the country remains fully committed to the overall development of Manipur’s tribal communities. Referring to Nupee Lal Memorial Day, she spoke about Manipur’s rich cultural diversity and said special attention is being given to tribal groups, particularly the Marams. She mentioned initiatives under the PM JANMAN mission, which focus on healthcare, education, livelihoods and infrastructure in remote areas.
The President said the newly inaugurated projects and the buildings for which foundation stones were laid will help improve access to education, healthcare and security for people living in distant villages. She said development must reach everyone and assured that the government is working to make growth in Manipur inclusive and sustainable. Calling diversity Manipur’s strength, she urged people in both the hills and the valley to support peace and mutual understanding.The projects inaugurated by the President include the Model Residential School at Senapati, a Cultural Hall-cum-Multipurpose Building for the Senapati District Village Chiefs’ Association, the Tungjoy Police Station, a Primary Health Centre building at Oinam, a workshed at ITI Senapati, a 50-bedded girls’ hostel at Liyai Khullen High School in Paomata sub-division, and a Skill-cum-Rural Entrepreneurship Development Centre.Foundation stones were laid for institutional buildings at Community Health Centres in Maram and Tadubi, a 180-foot Bailey Bridge over the Iril River at Khamson, a 140-foot Bailey Bridge over the Ethoi River at Ngatan, and the construction of 50 Anganwadi Centres across the district. As part of the programme, the President was welcomed with a traditional folk song performed by artists from the five tribes. She was also felicitated with a portrait from the “Happy Alone Series,” highlighting the strength of Naga women, and a handcrafted beaded necklace.
