Manipur – The highly anticipated Modi Manipur visit commenced on Saturday, marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s first trip to the northeastern state since devastating ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. This significant Modi Manipur visit comes as part of a comprehensive three-day tour covering five states, during which the Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹71,000 crore across the region.
The Modi Manipur visit began after the Prime Minister’s morning engagement in Aizawl, Mizoram, where he inaugurated the historic Bairabi-Sairang rail line, connecting Mizoram to India’s railway network for the first time. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel received the Prime Minister at Imphal airport, signaling the official start of this crucial Modi Manipur visit.
Journey to Churachandpur Amid Weather Challenges
The Modi Manipur visit itinerary faced initial adjustments due to heavy rainfall, forcing the Prime Minister to travel by road to Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district. This unplanned route change during the Modi Manipur visit demonstrated the challenging weather conditions affecting the region but did not deter the Prime Minister from proceeding with his scheduled engagements.
In Churachandpur, the Modi Manipur visit gained momentum as the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by local residents and officials. During his address to the public, Modi praised Manipur as the “land of courage and determination,” acknowledging the resilience shown by communities during the difficult period of ethnic violence that has plagued the state.
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Major Development Projects Launch
The centerpiece of the Modi Manipur visit involves launching and laying foundation stones for projects worth approximately ₹8,500 crore. These substantial investments during the Modi Manipur visit include ₹3,647 crore allocated for roads, drainage, and asset management systems designed to improve infrastructure across the conflict-affected state.
Additional projects announced during the Modi Manipur visit encompass ₹550 crore for an information technology development project in Imphal, ₹1,280 crore for upgrading sections of National Highway 102A, and ₹1,119 crore for two-laning sections of NH 202 in Ukhrul district. These infrastructure improvements represent the government’s commitment to comprehensive development across Manipur.
The Modi Manipur visit also features virtual inaugurations of Manipur Bhawans in Delhi and Kolkata, the new civil secretariat at Mantripukhri built at ₹538 crore, the state police headquarters, and an all-women’s market across various districts.
Addressing Ethnic Divisions
This Modi Manipur visit occurs against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities that have resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people since May 2023. The state has remained under President’s rule since February, highlighting the severity of the situation that prompted this long-awaited Modi Manipur visit.
Officials indicated that the Modi Manipur visit will include interactions with internally displaced persons (IDPs), demonstrating the government’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis. The Prime Minister’s decision to visit both Churachandpur (Kuki-dominated) and Imphal (Meitei-dominated) during the Modi Manipur visit signals efforts to bridge ethnic divides through inclusive development initiatives.
Political Reactions and Expectations
The Modi Manipur visit has generated mixed reactions from political opposition, with some leaders criticizing the timing while others supporting the initiative. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge described the visit as “farce and tokenism,” while BJP leaders defended the Prime Minister’s engagement, emphasizing the importance of direct intervention during crisis periods.
Local residents have expressed cautious optimism about the Modi Manipur visit, with many internally displaced families hoping for concrete measures to restore peace and facilitate their return to normal lives. The visit represents the first high-level central government engagement since the ethnic violence began.
Broader Northeast Tour Context
The Modi’s Manipur visit forms part of an ambitious five-state tour that includes Mizoram, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar. This comprehensive itinerary demonstrates the government’s focus on eastern and northeastern regional development, with the Modi Manipur visit serving as a crucial component of this broader strategy.
Following the Modi’s Manipur visit, the Prime Minister will proceed to Assam for Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika’s centenary celebrations, launching projects worth ₹18,530 crore. The tour concludes in Bihar with project launches worth ₹36,000 crore, including a thermal power plant and the National Makhana Board establishment.
This extensive travel schedule underscores the government’s commitment to addressing regional development needs, with the Modi’s Manipur visit representing a pivotal moment for peace-building and reconstruction efforts in the ethnically divided state.
