Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Manipur, marking his first trip to the state following the ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities in May 2023. He will oversee the inauguration and foundation laying of several development projects, representing an investment of ₹8,500 crore. The violence resulted in the tragic loss of over 260 lives and left many displaced.
Details reveal that the Prime Minister will lay the groundwork for developmental projects valued at ₹7,300 crore at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a location with a significant Kuki population. Furthermore, he will inaugurate infrastructure projects in Imphal, the capital, amounting to ₹1,200 crore.
While speculation had suggested a possible combined visit with his official trip to Mizoram, formal confirmation from government or BJP sources was absent. However, a significant billboard was erected on Thursday evening, publicizing the Prime Minister’s programs scheduled for September 13 (tomorrow) at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and the Kangla Fort in the state capital.
The billboard is strategically placed at Keshampt Junction, a key intersection in Imphal near the BJP’s state headquarters. Further such displays are expected. Manipur has been under President’s rule since February, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stepped down.
An advisory issued earlier in the day provided instructions for those attending the VVIP event at the Peace Ground on September 13. Attendees were asked to avoid bringing items such as keys, pens, water bottles, bags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, lighters, matches, pieces of cloth, sharp objects, weapons, and ammunition.
The notification did not specify the Prime Minister’s name and urged the public to refrain from bringing children under 12 or individuals with health issues to the event. Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur’s Rajya Sabha member, sees the Prime Minister’s visit as a favorable occasion for the people and the state.
Manipur has a history marked by violent incidents. Notably, no previous Prime Minister has visited the state during such turbulent times to directly engage with the populace. PM Modi’s visit is thus historic. In a video message, Leishemba encouraged a welcoming reception for PM Modi, advocating against any form of boycott.
In preparation for the Prime Minister’s arrival, security measures have been heightened in Imphal and the district headquarters of Churachandpur. A central security team has been deployed to Churachandpur. Police and paramilitary forces are stationed, and barricades have been erected on the routes leading to the Peace Ground.