"I want Manipur to become a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress," PM Modi said, as he concluded his address to the gathering in Churachandpur.

Referring to the ethnic strife that broke out in 2023, PM Modi said: "Violence engulfed this beautiful place. New dawn is about to begin. People have chosen the path of peace. Various groups in the hills and valley have begun holding peace talks I promise you I am with you. I am with you. The Centre is with you." 

"The hills of Manipur are so beautiful. The name Manipur has the word 'mani', which means the jewel of the Northeast. We will again take Manipur on the road to development," PM Modi said.

"I saw the Tricolour all along the road. I bow my head before the people of Manipur. Manipur is the land of the brave," PM Modi said. 

"I saw the Tricolour all along the road. I bow my head before the people of Manipur. Manipur is the land of the brave," PM Modi said. 

"Manipur is a gift of nature The hills are a unique gift to the country. I spirit the salute of the people of Manipur. Despite heavy rains, you arrived here for the event. Am thankful to you," PM Modi told the crowd. 

PM Modi begins addressing the crowd in Churachandpur. 

During his interaction with the displaced people at Churachandpur's Peace Ground, PM Modi listened to the concerns of the families of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and assured them of the Centre's commitment to restore peace and normalcy in the state, officials said. 

The Prime Minister is currently meeting the displaced people in Manipur's Churachandpur. 

PM Modi is expected lay the foundation stones for various development projects to the tune of over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur around 12:30 pm, and also address the gathering. He will also inaugurate several projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal around 2:30 pm, and address a public function.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also hit out at PM Modi, saying his trip is "tokenism" and a "grave insult" to the people of the state.

According to sources, Prime Minister Modi has landed in Imphal. In view of heavy rains, he will travel to Churachandpur by road. He was received at the Imphal airport by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel.

"Prime Minister has decided to visit Manipur after two years. I am glad that he is visiting the state after two years. He should have visited much earlier. It is unfortunate... So many people have died there. So many people went through so much of grief. He should have thought about it before," Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his government is fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. "We are fully committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. The foundation stone for road projects, National Highway projects, women hostels and more would be laid," he posted on X.

Heavy rains lashed Manipur on Saturday ahead of Prime Minister Modi's scheduled visit to the state. Ankle-deep water was seen in parts of the Kangla Fort in Imphal, where Modi will address a public gathering.

Heavy rains were also reported in the Churachandpur town.

In a statement, the Churachandpur district administration said the PM will visit Churachandpur as scheduled and rumours suggesting otherwise are "false and misleading".

"It is hereby clarified that the Hon'ble Prime Minister will visit Churachandpur as scheduled. Rumours suggesting otherwise, based on unfounded reasons, are false and misleading," it said.

"People are advised not to be misled by such misinformation and are urged to extend full cooperation in the preparations and ensure active participation," it added.

PM Modi has concluded his visit to Mizoram and will now head to Manipur.

Referring to the recent overhaul in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, PM Modi said: "We are trying to boost the ease of living and the ease of doing business. We have announced new a GST regime. In 2014, daily use item were heavily taxed at 27 percent, now it's 5 percent. The festive season this time would be more vibrant. Travelling and eating outside will be cheaper." 

He added: "India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. Our economy has seen a growth of 7 percent. During Operation Sindoor, our soldiers taught a lesson to those who are sponsoring terrorism. The growth of our economy is very important for our national security." 

The Bairabi-Sairang railway line is not just a rail link but a lifeline of transformation, PM Modi told the crowd. "Farmers and businesses of Mizoram will reach more markets. For the past 11 yearsm we have been working for the development of the northeast. This region is becoming the growth engine of India," he said. 

During his address, PM Modi said: "The people of Mizoram have always come forward to contribute to the nation. This is a historic day for the nation and Mizoram. From today, Aizawl will be on India's railway map." 

He added: "A few years ago I laid the foundation stone for Aizawl railway line and today, we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation. We overcame many challenges, including difficult terrains and inclement weather. For the first time, Mizoram will be connected directly to Delhi." 

Taking a swipe at the Opposition over vote bank politics, PM Modi said: "For a long time, some political parties have been practicing vote bank politics. Their focus was on places which has more votes and seats. The entire northeast, including Mizoram, suffered due to them. But our approach is different. Those who were neglected and marginalised are mainstream now," he said. 

The Rail line Project inaugurated by PM Modi has 45 tunnels, constructed under complex geological conditions. It also includes 55 major bridges and 88 minor bridges. 

"I am here at Mizoram's Lengpui Airport.  Unfortunately, due to bad weather, I am sorry that I am not able to join you at Aizawl, but I can feel your love and affection even from this medium," PM Modi told the crowd. 

"The people of Mizoram have always come forward to contribute," PM Modi said in his public address.

PM Modi landed at Lengpui Airport in Aizawl at 9.10 am. He is scheduled to inaugurate the Rs 8,070-crore Bairabi-Sairang railway line, which will link landlocked Mizoram with the rest of the country. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Mizoram and is scheduled to launch a slew of projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday visit Manipur, his first trip to the northeastern state since ethnic violence broke out two years ago.