President Murmu Honors Manipur’s Nupi Lal Heroes, Calls for Inclusive Development of Tribal Communities

President Droupadi Murmu paid her respects to the freedom fighters of Manipur during the Nupi Lal (women’s war) observation here on Friday at the Nupi Lal memorial complex and visited Senapati district.

Addressing a function at Senapati district, she said, "Today, the nation commemorates Nupee Lal Memorial Day. Nupee Lal stands as an example of the power of women’s voices in bringing about positive social change.”

The complex stands as a tribute to the sacrifices of Manipuri women and commemorates their uprisings in which they challenged the colonial British and feudal powers with great courage, she added.

The First Nupi Lal took place in 1904 when the British attempted to reintroduce the Lallup system, a form of forced labour in Manipur . The mass uprising led by the women of Manipur forced the British to take back its decision.

The Second Nupi Lal in 1939 was a result of the colonial British trying to export rice from Manipur. Manipuri women led a mass struggle, fighting with bare hands against the bayonets and bullets of the soldiers.

President Murmu said Senapati district is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and proud tribal heritage. "Manipur has a rich cultural diversity, with a large number of tribal communities and that this diversity is also reflected in the Senapati district", she added.

She said she attended a reception at Taphou Naga village, where she was accorded a warm welcome by representatives of the tribal communities of Senapati district. The Maram tribe is recognised as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), and it is the only PVTG in Manipur.

The unique culture and traditions of the Maram tribe contribute significantly to India’s tribal diversity. "Therefore, this community deserves focused attention, affirmative support, and sustained development efforts," the President said.

Under the PM JANMAN Mission, a series of initiatives have been launched. These are specifically designed to uplift PVTGs through improved access to healthcare, expansion of education, housing support, livelihood promotion, skill development, and infrastructure creation in remote habitations, she said.

“We have just witnessed the transformative work underway in this district under PM JANMAN through a short film. I am confident that the initiatives being implemented under this mission will further improve the lives of tribal communities, especially the PVTG,” President Murmu said.

Dignity, security, and expanded growth opportunities for the tribal communities of Manipur — and ensuring their greater participation in the country’s progress — are national priorities. The government is working closely with local leaders, civil society, and communities to ensure that development in Manipur is inclusive and sustainable, she said.

She said, “The government is committed to ensuring that development reaches every corner of the country, with special attention to remote tribal regions. In recent years, the hill districts of Manipur have benefited from focused investments in areas such as road and bridge connectivity".

Livelihood programmes such as skill training, Self-Help Groups, and Van Dhan initiatives are improving the quality of life of the people, the President said. "These efforts reflect the government’s commitment to supporting tribal communities while respecting their unique identities and traditions.”

She also inaugurated various development projects, saying these initiatives will strengthen education, security, healthcare, and community infrastructure in the area.

She laid the foundation stones for several institutional buildings and expressed hope that, upon completion, these projects will improve the lives of thousands of families and bring essential services closer to remote communities.

“Manipur’s strength lies in its diversity — its culture, languages, and traditions. The hills and the valley have always complemented each other. I urge all communities to continue supporting efforts for peace, understanding, and reconciliation," she said.

The government of India, she stressed, recognises the aspirations of the people of Manipur. "I fully understand, with empathy, your concerns and your desire for a peaceful and prosperous future. I reiterate the government's commitment to the well-being and progress of the people of Manipur.”

Addressing the gathering, the President said that dignity, security and growth opportunities for tribal communities of Manipur and their greater participation in the country’s progress is a national priority.

Manipur Governor AK Bhalla and others accompanied the President.

President Murmu arrived here on Thursday and offered prayers at the Shri Shri Govindajee temple, addressed a reception function, witnessed a polo match and interacted with internally displaced persons.