Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sought to recast Manipur as a land of “peace and prosperity”, urging armed groups and civil outfits to lay down violence and embrace reconciliation, as he made his first visit to the strife-hit state since 2023.
At a public meeting in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, Modi reached out directly to victims of the ethnic conflict that has scarred the state for more than two years. “It is unfortunate that violence happened here. Today, I want to promise you that the Government of India is with you and I am with you,” he told the gathering.
The ethnic unrest that broke out in May 2023 between the valley-majority Meiteis and the hill-dwelling Kukis left over 260 people dead and forced nearly 50,000 from their homes. Modi’s interaction with displaced families included a symbolic exchange of gifts, a bouquet, a painting and a traditional feathered hat presented by children at Churachandpur’s Peace Ground.
Appealing to all organisations to renounce violence, the prime minister said, “I would appeal to all groups and organisations to choose the path of peace.” He underlined that peace was paramount for any progress, adding, “The vibrance of the northeastern state reflects India’s great strength.”
He described Manipur as a land of “courage and valour” and recalled his drive from Imphal to Churachandpur. “I can never forget the love I received on my way. I spoke to the displaced people, and I can say that Manipur is looking towards a new dawn. People have chosen the path of peace,” he said.
The visit also carried a heavy emphasis on development. Modi unveiled projects worth more than ₹7,300 crore, asserting they would directly benefit tribal communities in the hills. The initiatives include the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project worth ₹3,600 crore, five National Highway projects valued over ₹2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and working women’s hostels at nine locations.
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“Just a short while ago, from this very platform, projects worth over ₹7,300 crore were unveiled. These projects will further improve the lives of the people of Manipur, especially the tribal communities living in the Hills,” he said.
He reminded the audience that his government had consistently raised allocations for connectivity projects in the region. “Since 2014, I have given special stress on improving connectivity in Manipur. We have increased the budget for railway, air, and road connectivity in Manipur several times,” he stated.
Linking Manipur’s aspirations with India’s broader economic ambitions, he said, “India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy, and I want to ensure that the fruits of development reach every corner of the country.”
The backdrop to the prime minister’s intervention is a conflict still defined by competing demands, the Meiteis seeking Scheduled Tribe status, while the Kukis call for a separate administration, citing exclusion from land and resources.
Security was on the highest alert throughout the visit, with forces deployed across the state. The symbolism of Modi’s presence, his first since the eruption of violence, carried as much weight as the promises of investment, signalling Delhi’s attempt to re-anchor the troubled state in peace and progress.
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