Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to travel to Manipur and is expected to launch and lay the foundation for various development projects, amounting to Rs 8,500 crore. This visit represents his first trip to the state since the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in May 2023. The conflict led to the deaths of over 260 individuals and the displacement of thousands.
Officials have confirmed that PM Modi will be initiating development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore from the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, which is predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community. Moreover, he will be inaugurating infrastructure projects valued at Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal, the capital city where the Meitei population is concentrated.
Speculation had been mounting over the possibility of PM Modi including Manipur in his official visit to the neighboring state of Mizoram, but there was no confirmation from government or BJP sources. However, a large billboard was displayed on Thursday evening, announcing the Prime Minister’s engagements at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and at the Kangla Fort in the state capital, both scheduled for September 13.
The billboard was installed at Keshampt Junction in Imphal, a prominent location near the state headquarters of the BJP, with plans for similar displays across Manipur. The state has been under President’s rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
A public advisory was issued concerning the VVIP event at the Peace Ground on September 13, urging attendees not to bring items such as keys, pens, water bottles, bags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, lighters, matches, pieces of cloth, sharp objects, weapons, or ammunition. The advisory did not mention the Prime Minister by name and encouraged the public to avoid bringing children under the age of 12 and individuals with health concerns to the event. Manipur’s sole Rajya Sabha member, Leishemba Sanajaoba, has described the Prime Minister’s visit as a positive step for the state and its people.
The BJP MP stated that PM Modi’s visit offers an opportunity to listen to the challenges faced by the people. Manipur has a history of violent incidents, and no previous Prime Minister has ever visited the state during such challenging times to engage with the public. PM Modi is set to become the first Prime Minister to do so. In a video message, Leishemba urged all to welcome the Prime Minister and refrain from any form of boycott.
According to authorities, security measures have been intensified in Imphal and Churachandpur district headquarters in anticipation of the Prime Minister’s visit. A team of central security officials has also arrived in Churachandpur. The police and paramilitary forces have been deployed, and barricades have been established along the roads leading to the Peace Ground.