Key Points
- PM Narendra Modi’s first Manipur visit since the 2023 ethnic clashes; meets displaced families in Churachandpur.
- Lays foundation stones and inaugurates schemes worth ₹7,300 cr in Churachandpur and ₹1,200 cr in Imphal, totalling ₹8,500 cr.
- Appeals to Kuki-Meitei groups to shun violence, promises homes for 7,000 homeless and “full Centre support” to restore peace.
- Trip is part of a three-day North-East tour covering Mizoram, Manipur and Assam, with security tightened across the region.
- Big-ticket projects include a new Civil Secretariat, IT SEZ, police headquarters and a women-only Ima Market complex in Imphal.
Imphal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Kuki-dominated Churachandpur on Saturday, his first visit to Manipur since violence between Meitei and Kuki groups erupted two years ago, leaving more than 260 dead and 60,000 displaced. He told the crowd that “a new dawn of hope and trust is rising” and urged all outfits to “move forward on the path of peace”.
₹7,300-Crore Package for Churachandpur
On Peace Ground, the PM digitally laid the foundation stone for roads, bridges, power and health projects valued at ₹7,300 crore. He highlighted a new medical college sanctioned for the district and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to provide permanent housing to 7,000 internally displaced families.
Imphal Gets ₹1,200-Crore Inaugurations
Modi then flew to Imphal, where he unveiled 17 schemes worth about ₹1,200 crore, including a new Civil Secretariat, IT Special Economic Zone, state police HQ and the all-women “Ima Market” retail hub aimed at boosting local entrepreneurship.
Connectivity, Economy and Power
Recalling his 2014 pledge, Modi said border-state connectivity had been a priority “from day one”, citing completed national highways and the upcoming Bairabi–Sairang rail link in neighbouring Mizoram flagged off earlier in the day. He also noted that India is “on track to become the world’s third-largest economy”, stressing that Manipur must grow “in step with the nation”.
Appeal for Calm & Political Reactions
The PM met families in relief camps, assuring them the Centre “stands with Manipur”. Opposition leaders welcomed the long-awaited visit but criticised the delay, saying earlier intervention could have saved lives.
Tight Security & Regional Itinerary
More than 7,000 personnel from central and state forces secured venues in Imphal and Churachandpur, while Section 144 remained in force in sensitive pockets. The Manipur leg is part of Modi’s 13–15 September North-East circuit, which also covers project launches in Mizoram and Assam worth over ₹27,500 crore in total.
