BY PC Bureau
April 11, 2025 – The Kuki community in Manipur has urged President Droupadi Murmu to visit their conflict-ridden state, hoping her presence could highlight their struggles and push for justice. The appeal follows the President’s appearance in a Saipikhup, a traditional Kuki handwoven shawl, during her visit to Vienna, Austria, on April 8, 2025. While the gesture sparked pride, it also intensified calls for her to address the ethnic violence plaguing Manipur since May 2023.
The Saipikhup, with its intricate red patterns, is a cherished emblem of Kuki heritage. Its global showcase was celebrated widely online. One X user wrote, “President Droupadi Murmu made a profound impact by wearing the Saipikhup shawl, a symbol of Kuki heritage, in Vienna—a moment of pride for #Manipur’s culture!” Another hailed it as “#KukiZoPride,” noting the shawl’s role in spotlighting Manipur’s tribal legacy.
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Yet, the joy was overshadowed by Manipur’s ongoing crisis, where ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have claimed over 250 lives and displaced tens of thousands. A post by @PatrickOHaokip captured the sentiment: “President Murmu should wear the #Kuki shawl in Manipur, not Vienna! For 22 months, we’ve awaited justice. Visit our relief camps and deliver hope.” Others echoed this, urging the President to meet affected communities and signal solidarity.
The President of India Hon’ble Smt. @Droupati_Murmu ji should visit Manipur by wearing #KUKI shawl but not in Vienna!
For 22th months, the people’s of #Manipur are waiting for the Prime Minister & the President’s of India, to bring & deliver JUSTICE ! @rashtrapatibhvn pic.twitter.com/LJy5TocQxr
— Patrick O Haokip (@PatrickOHaokip) April 9, 2025
Another user, @Khulkonns_3382, expressed gratitude but added, “Thank you, President Murmu, for wearing our #Saipikhup shawl. Please, see the pain and suffering of Kukis in Manipur.” Similarly, @theIndeginiousappealed, “As India’s first tribal President, help the Kuki people in Manipur, Bangladesh, and Myanmar preserve our culture and secure a state for our traditions.”
Not all reactions were positive. @Neiluog20criticized the gesture, posting, “While Kuki tribals face ethnic cleansing in Manipur, the President flaunts our shawl abroad. Her silence on atrocities, especially sexual assaults, feels like an insult, not pride.”
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The Kuki community has long felt overlooked by the central government, with many noting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from Manipur since the violence began. Murmu’s choice of attire was seen as a nod to their identity, but it also amplified demands for her to witness their plight firsthand. “Wearing our shawl in Vienna isn’t enough,” one X user wrote. “Come to Manipur, see our pain, and help us heal.”
Thank you your excellency President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn 🙏🙏
for wearing our traditional #Saipikhup shawl of #Kuki_Zo community.
God bless you ..🙏🙏
Along with this i sincerely request government of India to see our pain and suffering in Manipur.… pic.twitter.com/q1QTwf5WEV— Astor (KUKI KA PARIVAR) (@Khulkonns_3382) April 9, 2025
As India’s first tribal President, Murmu symbolizes hope for marginalized groups. Some viewed her wearing the Saipikhup as a subtle acknowledgment of the Kuki struggle, though Rashtrapati Bhavan has issued no official statement. The Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum and other groups have previously appealed to her, including a March 2024 letter seeking justice for tribal women facing violence in Manipur.
For now, the President’s shawl has woven a complex narrative of cultural pride and urgent pleas. As Manipur marks 22 months of unrest, the Kukis’ call for Murmu’s visit grows louder, with hopes her presence could illuminate their quest for justice and peace.
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