Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made an appeal for reconciliation in Manipur, his first visit to the strife-torn state in 28 months since ethnic violence first erupted on 3 May 2023. The unrest has claimed over 200 lives, and displaced more than 60,000 people. His first pit stop was the Kuki-majority district of Churachandpur, the epicentre of the violence.
“I am with you, the Government of India is with you. To bring back life on track in Manipur, we are making all efforts," said Narendra Modi addressing a gathering in Churachandpur. He emphasised that restoring peace was the cornerstone for the state’s progress, adding, “Peace is of paramount importance for development.”
The Prime Minister assured that the Centre remained committed to the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons. “Those rendered homeless, we are giving aid to build 7,000 homes. To rehabilitate the displaced and to bring peace, the Government of India will keep helping the Manipur Government,” he said, reiterating his promise of support.
In his address, PM Modi described Manipur as a land of courage, resilience, and natural beauty. “The land of Manipur is the land of courage and determination. These hills are a priceless gift of nature, and at the same time, they symbolise your continuous hard work. I salute the spirit of the people of Manipur,” he said. Referring to the very name of the state, he added, “The name Manipur itself has ‘Mani’, a gem that will enhance the shine of the entire Northeast in the coming times.”
During his visit to Churachandpur, the epicentre of the violence, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stones for 14 development initiatives worth ₹7,300 crore. These included the ₹3,647-crore Manipur Urban Roads and Drainage Project, the ₹550-crore Infotech Development Project, super-speciality healthcare facilities in remote districts, working women’s hostels at nine locations, and upgrades to 120 schools across 16 districts. Other projects included a multipurpose indoor stadium at Khuman Lampak, expansion of the Polo Ground, and significant road improvements under the Bharatmala Pariyojana.
Narendra Modi also visited relief camps in Churachandpur, where he interacted with displaced families, including children and the elderly. He reassured them of the Centre’s commitment to restore normalcy and rebuild their lives.
The Prime Minister’s visit, however, drew criticism from the Opposition. The Congress described the trip as “tokenism” and a “grave insult” to the people of Manipur. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that Modi had organised a “grand welcome ceremony for himself”, calling it “a cruel prick to the wounds of those still suffering”. He asked pointedly, “Where is your Rajdharma?” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remarked that while she was “glad” the Prime Minister had finally visited the state, he should have done so much earlier.
The significance of Narendra Modi’s stop in Churachandpur cannot be overstated. It was here, in the Kuki-majority district, that the violence first broke out during a rally by tribal groups opposing the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities have periodically reignited, eventually leading to the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and the imposition of President’s Rule on 13 February this year.
By urging all groups to walk the path of peace, the Prime Minister sought to open the door to reconciliation. “I appeal to all organisations to fulfil their dreams by walking on the path of peace and securing the future of your children,” he said.
