Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on September 13, 2025, marking his first trip to the ethnic violence-hit state since clashes erupted between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023. The visit lasted approximately three hours, covering events in Churachandpur and Imphal.
Key Facts
- Modi unveiled ₹8,500 crore worth of development projects.
- In Churachandpur’s Peace Ground, he laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹7,300 crore.
- In Imphal’s Kangla Fort, he inaugurated projects worth ₹1,200 crore.
- Major initiatives included:
- Manipur Urban Roads and Drainage Project (₹3,647 crore)
- Manipur Infotech Development Project (₹550 crore)
- Police Headquarters (₹101 crore)
- Civil Secretariat (₹538 crore)
The visit came 2 years and 4 months after violence began, which has left over 260 dead and 60,000 displaced. Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025 after CM N. Biren Singh’s resignation.
Background and Reasons
The ethnic clashes began on May 3, 2023, during a "Tribal Solidarity March" against Meitei demands for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, the state has been effectively divided:
- Valley (Imphal and surrounding areas) – Meitei-dominated.
- Hill districts – Kuki-Zo controlled.
Modi’s absence during the crisis had drawn sustained Opposition criticism. His visit now aligns with a five-state tour worth ₹71,850 crore, covering northeastern and eastern India.
Official Statements
- PM Modi: “The government is fully committed to inclusive and all-round development of Manipur.” He met displaced persons from both communities and addressed gatherings.
- Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel: The visit would "pave the way for peace, normalcy and accelerated growth".
Political Reactions
- Rahul Gandhi: Called the visit "good", but pivoted to alleged “vote chori” in Haryana and Maharashtra polls.
- Jairam Ramesh: Labeled it a “farce, not a force for peace”.
- Local Congress President Keisham Meghachandra: Called it "merely symbolic".
- 43 BJP leaders in Ukhrul: Resigned days before Modi’s visit, citing neglect of local leadership.
Immediate Impact
Economic: Projects focus on roads, IT, healthcare, and women’s hostels across 16 districts.
Political: Modi balanced optics by visiting both Kuki-majority Churachandpur and Meitei-majority Imphal.
Social: Mixed reactions—while some saw reconciliation, the Kuki Students’ Organisation observed a “Black Day”.
Geopolitical Context
Manipur borders Myanmar, making the conflict strategically significant with implications for insurgency and cross-border security. Despite the scale of violence, international scrutiny has been muted, with allies maintaining normal ties with India.
FAQs on Modi’s Manipur Visit
Q1: Why did PM Modi visit Manipur after such a long gap?
He had faced criticism for not visiting since the May 2023 clashes. The visit was part of a broader five-state development tour and aimed at signaling peace, development, and balance between communities.
Q2: How much investment did Modi announce?
A total of ₹8,500 crore, with major focus on urban infrastructure, IT, healthcare, and women’s welfare.
Q3: What is the current political situation in Manipur?
Since February 2025, the state has been under President’s Rule following CM Biren Singh’s resignation amid unrest.
Q4: How did local communities react?
Mixed reactions: Meitei and Kuki displaced persons attended events, but groups like the Kuki Students’ Organisation observed a protest.
Q5: Is peace returning to Manipur?
While the visit projects calm, tensions remain, and displacement figures suggest full reconciliation is still distant.
Related Articles
Leave a Reply