Imphal, Sep 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur on Saturday to unveil 31 projects worth ₹8,500 crore, aiming to restore peace and accelerate development in the violence-hit state.
Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said the Prime Minister would lay foundation stones for projects worth ₹7,300 crore from Peace Ground in Churachandpur and inaugurate infrastructure projects of ₹1,200 crore at Kangla Fort in Imphal. Modi will also interact with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at both venues.
Ethnic clashes since May 2023 displaced thousands, with Meiteis forming the majority in Imphal valley and Kuki-Zo tribals dominant in Churachandpur. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has welcomed the PM’s visit, urging people to turn out in traditional attire to showcase their unity and culture.
BJP leader Sambit Patra termed the visit part of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Manipur”, stressing the government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”. Former CM N. Biren Singh and other BJP leaders are coordinating arrangements.
The Congress, however, dismissed the visit as “meaningless,” with state chief Keisham Meghachandra Singh saying people expected a concrete roadmap for peace and rehabilitation, not “empty words.”
Security has been tightened in Imphal East, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and adjoining districts. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla recently met both Kuki-Zo and valley MLAs to review the situation. Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, GOC of Spear Corps, also visited key districts and forward areas along the Myanmar border to assess preparedness of security forces.
Officials said the PM’s visit underlines his commitment to Manipur’s welfare and its role as a “gateway to Southeast Asia” under India’s Act East Policy. Since February 13, Manipur has been under President’s Rule, following the resignation of CM N. Biren Singh.
