Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Manipur, marking his first trip to the state following the ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities in May 2023. The visit includes the inauguration and foundation laying of various development projects, totaling an estimated Rs 8,500 crore. The violence resulted in the deaths of over 260 individuals and displaced thousands.
Authorities have indicated that PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore from the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a region predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community. Additionally, he will inaugurate infrastructure projects valued at Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal, the capital city, where the Meitei community is concentrated.
There had been speculation in the past few days that PM Modi would include a visit to Manipur during his official trip to the neighboring state of Mizoram, though this was not confirmed by either the government or the BJP. On Thursday evening, a large billboard was erected announcing the Prime Minister’s programs at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and at Kangla Fort in the state capital, both scheduled for September 13.
The billboard was put up at Keshampt Junction in Imphal, a prominent location near the BJP’s state headquarters, with more such hoardings expected to be displayed across the state. Manipur has been under President’s rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
An advisory was issued, advising 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 advisory did not mention the Prime Minister by name. It suggested that the public avoid bringing children under 12 years old or those with health issues to the event. Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur’s lone Rajya Sabha member, has described the Prime Minister’s visit as a significant opportunity for the people and the state.
The BJP MP expressed his belief that Modi’s visit offers a chance to listen to the people’s difficulties. Manipur has a history of violent clashes. No previous Prime Minister has visited the state during such challenging times to address the public. PM Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit at this time. In a video message, Leishemba urged everyone to welcome the Prime Minister and to avoid any form of protest.
Security measures have been increased in both Imphal and Churachandpur district headquarters ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, as reported by officials. A team of central security officials has also arrived in Churachandpur. Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed, and barricades have been erected along the routes leading to the Peace Ground.