He was originally scheduled to take a chopper to the Churachandpur helipad, but the heavy rain changed of plans. (Photo:X/ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur’s Churachandpur on Thursday. His helicopter trip from Imphal was cancelled due to heavy rain. Instead, he travelled 1.5 hours by road to meet people displaced by ethnic violence.
He was originally scheduled to take a chopper to the Churachandpur helipad, but the heavy rain changed of plans. Modi said he was happy with the road journey because it gave him a chance to see the people.
“I was happy that I couldn’t take the chopper as I got the opportunity to see the love and affection showered by people of Manipur along the road. I bow my head to them in gratitude,” the prime minister said after reaching the venue.
The prime minister praised the state, calling it the “Land of Jewels.” He added, “Manipur (the Land of Jewels) has a jewel in its name itself. In the coming days, the glow of this jewel will brighten the entire northeast.”
This was Modi’s first visit to the state since the ethnic clashes of 2023.
Modi addressed the violence-hit state and urged communities to leave conflict behind. He appealed for peace and unity to rebuild the state.
"I appeal to all the groups to move on the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure their children's future. Today, I promise that I stand by your side. The Indian government stands with the people of Manipur," Modi said.
ALSO READ: PM Modi Congratulates Sushila Karki, Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister
He assured that the government would work for the proper resettlement of families displaced by the conflict.
Ethnic clashes in Manipur began between the Meitei and Kuki groups in 2023. The violence has killed more than 250 people and displaced nearly 60,000. It has also spread to other communities, creating long-lasting tensions.
The situation worsened to the point where the state government was dismissed in February.
During his visit, Modi also laid the foundation stones for 19 development projects. These projects are worth around ₹7,300 crores.
"These projects will further improve the lives of the people of Manipur, especially the tribal communities living in the Hills,” he said.
Modi stressed that development and peace must go hand in hand to secure the state’s future.
READ MORE: PM Modi Inaugurates Mizoram’s First Railway Line, Aizawl Gets Direct Rail Link
