Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation for various development projects in Manipur, totaling Rs 8,500 crore. This marks his first visit to the state since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in May 2023, which resulted in over 260 fatalities and left thousands displaced.
Officials have stated that PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore from the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority area. Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal, the capital of the Meitei-dominated state.
Speculation had been circulating that PM Modi would accompany his official visit to neighboring Mizoram with a trip to Manipur, although this was unconfirmed by the government or the BJP until recently. A large billboard was erected on Thursday evening, announcing the Prime Minister’s programs in the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and at Kangla Fort in the state capital, scheduled for September 13. The billboard was placed at Keshampt Junction in Imphal, a key location near the BJP’s state headquarters, and more such displays are expected across the state. Manipur has been under President’s rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
A public advisory was issued, instructing individuals attending the VVIP event at the Peace Ground on September 13 not to bring items such as keys, pens, water bottles, bags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, lighters, matches, pieces of cloth, any sharp objects, weapons, or ammunition. The notification did not mention the Prime Minister by name, advising the public to avoid bringing children under 12 years of age and individuals with health issues to the event. Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur’s sole Rajya Sabha member, has described the Prime Minister’s visit as a fortunate event for the people and the state.
The BJP MP expressed his belief that Modi will listen to the people’s concerns. Manipur has a history of violent clashes, and no previous Prime Minister has visited the state during such times to hear from the people. PM Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit during these challenging times. Leishemba, in a video message, urged everyone to welcome the Prime Minister and to refrain from any form of boycott.
Security has been heightened in Imphal and Churachandpur district headquarters ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, according to officials. A team of central security officials has also arrived in Churachandpur. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed, and barricades have been set up along the routes leading to the Peace Ground.