Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Manipur on 13 September, marking his first visit to the state since the 2023 ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and the Kukis. The violence left more than 250 people dead and displaced thousands. The visit is being seen as historic and politically significant.
The state has been under President’s Rule since February 2025. Former chief minister N Biren Singh had resigned, and the assembly was suspended.
Security Tight Across State
Security has been placed on high alert ahead of the prime minister’s visit. Both central and state forces are deployed in large numbers in Imphal and Churachandpur. Special barricades and checkpoints have been set up along the routes leading to public venues.
Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar of the Spear Corps reviewed the situation with senior officials and security forces. Teams from the Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, and Manipur Police are patrolling sensitive areas. Boats from the Manipur Disaster Management Force are guarding the Kangla Fort moat.
The Churachandpur administration has also banned air guns and restricted items like bags, bottles, keys, umbrellas, matchboxes, and sharp objects at the rally.
What’s on Modi’s Schedule?
Modi’s visit covers both Churachandpur and Imphal — districts that represent the two communities divided by violence.
Churachandpur Visit: Modi landed in the Kuki-Zo majority district around noon. He met internally displaced persons (IDPs) and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹7,300 crore.
These include:
- Manipur urban roads and drainage project (₹3,600 crore)
- Five National Highway projects (₹2,500 crore)
- Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project
Women’s hostels in nine locations
The prime minister also addressed the public at Peace Ground. Around 8,000–10,000 people, including 200 IDPs and Kuki-Zo community leaders, attended the event.
Imphal Visit: At 2:30 pm, Modi reached Imphal’s historic Kangla Fort. There, he inaugurated projects worth over ₹1,200 crore. These included the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, a new IT SEZ building, and the new police headquarters.
Billboards, banners, and welcome gates decorated the city. Workers cleaned roads and set up bamboo barricades for the event.
Why the Visit Matters
The visit holds great symbolic value. Churachandpur, dominated by Kukis, and Imphal, dominated by Meiteis, were among the worst-hit areas during the clashes. By visiting both, Modi is sending a message that the government values both communities equally.
The central government also hopes this trip can help restart dialogue and reconciliation. Borders between the valley (Meitei-majority) and hill districts (Kuki-majority) remain tense. Modi’s presence is seen as a step toward peace.
Retired Lt Gen L. N. Singh said, “This is an excellent gesture by the Prime Minister. Whatever has happened in Manipur has caused a deep fracture, and it will take time to heal. His visit will lay the foundation—the first stone—for the rebuilding process.”
Voices from the Communities
Community leaders have welcomed the visit with hope.
Churachandpur leader Ginza Vualzong said, “The Prime Minister’s visit is historic, as the last time a leader from Delhi came here was nearly 40 years ago. We welcome Shri Narendra Modi and hope that under his leadership, our cries for justice and a secure future will be addressed by granting us a political solution.”
The Kuki-Zo groups issued a joint statement, “For years, we have been voicing our demand for complete separation from Manipur, seeking a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution. This demand arises not from convenience, but from necessity—for peace, security, and survival of our people.”
Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba also called the visit “very fortunate.” He said: “It’s a great fortune that Modi will be listening to the hardships faced by the people… Manipur has had a history of violent clashes in the past. However, no prime minister has visited the state during such times and listened to the people. Modi is the first PM to visit during such hard times.”
Opposition’s Criticism
The Opposition, however, has called the visit symbolic. Congress leader Keisham Meghachandra Singh said, “This is merely symbolic. It will have no real significance. The people of Manipur have no expectations from this visit.”
Resignations have also hit the BJP. More than a dozen members of the Phungyar BJP Mandal and Morcha quit, citing a lack of inclusiveness and consultation. BJP leaders, however, dismissed it as a publicity stunt.
Other Reactions
The United Naga Council suspended its trade embargo in Naga-dominated areas as a gesture during the PM’s visit. At the same time, the Coordination Committee (CorCom), a coalition of seven valley-based militant groups, announced a boycott of the visit.
Despite tensions, crowds gathered in both districts to hear the prime minister. For many, the visit is a sign of hope that peace and development will return to the troubled state.
