Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Manipur on Saturday, more than two years after the northeastern state went through its toughest times in years due to deadly ethnic violence for months. The PM is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 8,500 crore. The PM will also reportedly be addressing two public functions in the state. The PM will visit Churachandpur and Imphal – two of the worst violence-hit areas in the state. 

The PM will visit Churachandpur and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at around 12:30 PM. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. Then, he will inaugurate various projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal, at around 2:30 PM and address a public function as well, according to an official release from the Prime Minister’s office (PMO).

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Why is PM Modi visiting Churachandpur and Imphal?

Clashes between people of Kuki and Meitei community after a court order on reservation and their social status, led to mass destruction in the northeastern state of Manipur in 2023. The violence which began in May, continued for months, and still shows its mark on the state.  More than 200 people died, there were complaints of rape, houses were burnt, people were looted and situation failed to normalise for months.

The opposition has targeted the PM saying that he is visiting after two years and did not go to the place when it was burning every other day for months. Rahul Gandhi said the visit in welcomed, but added that at present, the issue of ‘vote theft’ across states was more important.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said, “So now it is official. The PM will spend less than 3 hours in Manipur tomorrow. This visit, instead of providing a force for peace and harmony, is actually going to be a farce”.

Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra also alleged that Modi’s visit to the ethnic violence-hit state is “merely symbolic”, and “not aimed at bringing peace and ensuring justice”. 

Meanwhile, in a press conference, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said the state government appreciates the efforts of the people of Manipur, both in the hills and valley, for “successfully moving forward to restore peace and normalcy” in Manipur.

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On Thursday, the town of Churachandpur witnessed fresh clashes. Unidentified miscreants reportedly vandalised and removed decorations prepared for PM Modi’s event.

Similarly, Imphal was among the worst hit areas in the state with protesters setting buses on fire, attacking the rival groups despite the presence of security personnel. A number of incidents relating to looting of police stations, arms and ammunition were reported from Imphal East and Imphal West. 

The opposition attacked the PM multiple times stating that he did not speak on the violence for months and not cared to visit the state. Now, the Prime Minister visiting the two of the worst violence-hit areas could be a message that normalcy is returning to the state. The development projects being launched from these two places is another symbolism step that shows the Centre is fuelling the developmental activities in the state.

Manipur is under President’s rule after former CM N Biren Singh resigned and the parties failed to form a government. Hence, PM Modi’s first remarks in the state since the violence would be keenly watched by people across the country. 

PM’s programme in detail

The PMO said that in Churachandpur, PM will lay the foundation stones of projects including urban roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others.

In Imphal, the projects include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata; and Ima Markets, unique all women’s market, in 4 districts, the release said.