Imphal, September 13, 2025 — Manipur, a culturally and strategically significant state in northeastern India, has been grappling with ethnic violence and instability for the past two years. The conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities has not only claimed a large number of lives but has also displaced thousands of families. Now, two years later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur has brought hope and signals change for the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a visit to Manipur on Saturday. This is his first visit since violence erupted in the state in May 2023. The PM laid the foundation stones and inaugurated development projects worth over ₹8,500 crore in Imphal and Churachandpur.
Addressing an event in Imphal, PM Modi said, “Manipur has a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. Any form of violence here is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. We must continue to lead Manipur on the path of peace and development.”
Earlier, he held a roadshow and public meeting in Churachandpur, one of the areas most affected by the violence. He said, “I appeal to all organizations to move forward on the path of peace. I promise, I am with you.”
The PM laid the foundation for development projects costing over ₹1,200 crore in Imphal and more than ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur. He visited relief camps in Churachandpur to meet with victims of the violence. He also spoke with affected individuals at the event venue in Imphal.
The Prime Minister arrived in Manipur from Mizoram this morning. He landed at Imphal Airport and then traveled by road to Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district. Imphal is a Meitei-majority area. Since the violence in 2023, movement between Kuki and Meitei areas has been restricted.
Background of the Violence
The ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in 2023 drew nationwide attention.
- Hundreds of people lost their lives,
- Thousands were forced to live in relief camps,
- And the state’s economy and education system were severely affected.
Although the central and state governments took steps to manage the situation, including deploying security forces and initiating peace talks, the process of restoring trust among the people has been slow.
Why is PM Modi’s Visit Important?
The Prime Minister’s visit is significant on multiple levels—
- Empathy for the victims – Meeting directly with affected families is an effort to boost their morale.
- Assurance of development – A signal to accelerate the implementation of rehabilitation and reconstruction plans.
- Political message – Demonstrating that the central government is taking northeastern issues seriously.
Key Points of the Visit
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi may announce several initiatives and launch programs:
- Rehabilitation package: Permanent housing and financial assistance for displaced families.
- Peace committee: A special mechanism for dialogue with leaders of the Meitei and Kuki communities.
- Youth schemes: New opportunities for skill development, employment, and education.
- Infrastructure development: Investment in roads, health, and educational facilities.
Public Expectations
The people of Manipur expect that this visit will not only be symbolic but will also bring concrete results. Their priorities include:
- Lasting peace and restoration of trust.
- Resumption of education and business in a safe environment.
- Dialogue and harmony among all communities.
Political Impact
Both the opposition and the government are viewing this visit through a political lens. The opposition had accused the center of neglecting the Manipur violence. The Prime Minister’s visit is also a response to those criticisms and will be seen as a significant step ahead of upcoming elections.
