Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first trip to Manipur since the 2023 ethnic violence, urging all communities to drop their weapons and join hands for peace. Speaking at a lively public rally in Churachandpur on Saturday, he shared a message of hope, saying a brighter future is on the horizon for the northeastern state.
“I call on every group in Manipur to choose peace and chase your dreams while securing a better tomorrow for your kids,” PM Modi told the crowd. “I stand with you, and the entire Indian government backs the people of Manipur.” His words aimed to heal the wounds from the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which started in May 2023 and shook the state’s economy, social ties, and politics.
Despite heavy rain making helicopter travel risky, PM Modi flew into Imphal airport and drove about 60 kilometers—taking 1.5 hours—to reach Churachandpur. Along the way, he stopped to meet families displaced by the violence and living in relief camps. “Manipur has always been a land of hope, but it faced tough times,” he said after chatting with them. “Now, a new morning of hope and trust is knocking at Manipur’s doors.”
PM Modi praised recent peace deals with various ethnic groups in Manipur, calling them a big win for the region. “Peace drives development, and over the last 11 years, we’ve resolved many conflicts in the Northeast,” he noted. “Talks are underway with hill and valley groups, focusing on dialogue, respect, and understanding. This is how we build lasting calm.”
To support those hit hardest, he announced aid for rebuilding 7,000 homes for the homeless and a special Rs 3,000 crore package for Manipur’s recovery. Highlighting the state’s rich culture, PM Modi said, “Manipur’s diversity is India’s strength. The ‘Mani’ in Manipur means pearl—it will make our nation shine brighter.”
He also kicked off major development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore right there in Churachandpur. These include the Rs 3,600 crore Manipur Urban Roads and Drainage Improvement Project to fix city infrastructure, five National Highway projects valued at more than Rs 2,500 crore for better connectivity, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project to boost tech jobs, and working women’s hostels at nine spots.
Connectivity has long been a headache in border-state Manipur, with poor roads causing daily struggles. “Since 2014, we’ve poured resources into this,” PM Modi explained. “We’ve ramped up rail and road budgets, focusing on villages and cities alike. In recent years, Rs 3,700 crore went into National Highways here, and Rs 8,700 crore worth of new highway work is in progress.”
These steps show the government’s push for inclusive growth in Manipur, blending peace efforts with real improvements in health, education, and infrastructure for everyone, especially tribal hill communities. As PM Modi wrapped up, the crowd cheered, sensing real change ahead for the state.
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