Imphal : President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Manipur on Thursday for a two-day visit, her first trip to the state since assuming office, even as a statewide shutdown called by valley-based militant groups brought normal life to a halt.

Murmu flew into Imphal Airport aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft and proceeded by road to Lok Bhavan, located around 7 km from the airport, officials confirmed.

The President’s engagements began later in the day with her scheduled attendance at a polo event organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department at Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Polo Ground). She is also expected to join a banquet hosted by the Governor in the evening and may offer prayers at the historic Shree Govindajee temple.

According to the itinerary issued by the President’s Secretariat, Murmu will participate in a civic reception, inaugurate several state projects, and attend a cultural programme at the City Convention Centre.

On Friday, she is slated to attend the annual Nupi Lan commemorations before travelling to Senapati district. At Taphou Naga Village, she is expected to meet internally displaced persons (IDPs), participate in a public event focused on the PM-JANMAN initiative, and interact with members of the Maram Naga Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

The visit coincides with a “total shutdown” called by CorCom, a coalition of seven valley-based militant outfits, effective from 1 pm on December 11 until the President departs. The bandh paralysed daily activities across the Imphal Valley, with markets, schools and colleges remaining shut.

Roads were largely deserted, including the key airport-to-Raj Bhavan route, while major commercial hubs such as Khwairamband Keithel, Paona Bazaar and Thangal Bazaar remained closed. CorCom, however, exempted the observance of Nupi Lal Day on December 12.

Despite the bandh, authorities have deployed a multi-layered security grid to ensure the President’s movement across sensitive zones.

Ahead of her arrival, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) issued a statement welcoming Murmu’s visit and urging her to take note of the ongoing hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo community amid the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.

The Council said her visit comes at a “critical juncture” for thousands of displaced families and expressed hope that her presence would draw national attention to long-standing tribal concerns.

Murmu’s tour follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state on September 13-his first since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict last year.