Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Manipur, a trip marking his first since the ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities in May 2023. During his visit, he will be involved in the inauguration and foundation laying of development projects, collectively valued at ₹8,500 crore. The violence resulted in the deaths of more than 260 people and the displacement of thousands.
Officials confirmed that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹7,300 crore at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, which has a Kuki majority population. Additionally, he will inaugurate infrastructure projects in Imphal, the state’s capital, with a value of ₹1,200 crore.
Prior to the official announcement, there were rumors about a possible joint visit with his planned trip to Mizoram. However, there was no confirmation from government or BJP sources. Despite this, a significant billboard was put up on Thursday evening, advertising the Prime Minister’s programs, which include events at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and the Kangla Fort in the capital on September 13.
The placement of the billboard at Keshampt Junction, a prominent location in Imphal, near the BJP’s state headquarters, points towards a concerted campaign. Manipur has been governed under President’s rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
Adding to the security protocols, an advisory issued during the day specified that attendees of the VVIP event at the Peace Ground on September 13 should not bring items like keys, pens, water bottles, bags, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, lighters, matches, pieces of cloth, any sharp objects or weapons, and ammunition.
The advisory did not mention the Prime Minister by name. The public was advised to avoid bringing children under the age of 12 and individuals with health issues to the event. Leishemba Sanajaoba, Manipur’s representative in the Rajya Sabha, has expressed that the Prime Minister’s visit is a moment of great fortune for the state and its people.
Manipur has a history of violent clashes. This visit is significant as no previous Prime Minister has visited the state during such a difficult period to address the people. PM Modi will be the first to do so. In a video message, Leishemba urged everyone to welcome the Prime Minister, discouraging any form of boycott.
Security measures have been greatly intensified in Imphal and Churachandpur district headquarters ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. A team of central security officials has also been deployed to Churachandpur. The police and paramilitary forces have been mobilized, with barricades installed on the routes leading to the Peace Ground.