"We Have To Take Manipur Forward On Path Of Peace": PM Modi In Imphal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi peppered his speech in Manipur's Imphal, his first visit to the violence-hit state in two years, with development, and called the 2023 violence in state as "unfortunate". 

The Prime Minister underlined that "our Imphal is the city of possibilities" and the 21st century belongs to the north-east.

Listing out development initiatives, the Prime Minister pointed to a new Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters, Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata, among others.  

"Today, development projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and launched for the progress of Manipur. These projects will enhance the ease of living for the people, strengthen infrastructure, and create new opportunities of employment for the youth of Manipur," said PM Modi.

Ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur in May 2023 between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes. Over 250 people were killed in the violence. The violence had also displaced around 60,000 people who are still living in makeshift camps established by the government. Thousands of the state's residents are still unable to return home owing to ongoing tensions.

Longstanding tensions between the two groups revolve around competition for land and public jobs, with rights activists accusing local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain.

PM Modi, in his visit to Kuki-majority Churachandpur and state capital Imphal, a Meitei stronghold, interacted with internally displaced people in both places.

"Any violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is injustice to our ancestors and our next generation. We have to take Manipur to the oath of peace and development. We need to get inspired from the involvement of people from Manipur in the fight for Independence. It was in Manipur that INA had first unfurled the national flag," said PM Modi. 

"May the lives of those who are forced to live in camps return to normalcy, for this our government is continuously working. The government has approved 7,000 new houses for the displaced. Recently, the central government has also announced a special package of about Rs 3,000 crore for Manipur. This includes a provision of more than 500 crore rupees for the assistance of the displaced. Those who have endured the heat of violence should return to normal life as soon as possible. This is our top priority," said the Prime Minister.

Earlier, addressing a public meeting in Churachanpur, PM Modi assured the public of support from the Centre.

"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," PM Modi said.

In Churachandpur, the Prime Minister also met and interacted with people displaced in the ethnic violence.