People of Manipur have chosen a path of peace to bring back peace and prosperity to the state, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first visit to the northeastern state two years after ethnic violence broke out here. More than 200 people died while thousand others were injured in the violent clashes between Kuki and Meitei tribes that went on for months.
Addressing a gathering in Churchandpur, one of the worst violence-hit areas, the Prime Minister appealed to various organisations to embark on a path of peace for the sake of their children’s dreams.
The PM reached Imphal on Saturday and then chose to go to Churachandpur as heavy rain continued to lash the region. He also laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore in the state.
‘I am with you’: PM Modi to people of Manipur
In his biggest message to the people of Manipur two years after deadly violence rocked the state, PM Modi assured the residents that the Government of India stands with them.
“Today, I promise you that I am with you. The Government of India is with you, and the people of Manipur are together… We want to make Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity,” he said. The Prime Minister asserted that his government was with the people of Manipur and wanted to make the state a symbol of peace and prosperity.
“It is unfortunate that violence happened here,” the PM said, adding “I would appeal to all groups and organisations to choose the path of peace.”
The PM said peace is paramount for development, and the Centre is committed to achieving it. Stressing on the increased budget allocation for railway and road connectivity projects in the state, Modi said, “Since 2014, I have given special stress on improving connectivity in Manipur.”
The PM also met the victims of the Manipur violence and said he believes Manipur is looking towards a new dawn. “I am pleased that recently dialogues have begun for reconciliation in the hills and valleys. The Indian government is part of these efforts, working to establish peace while giving importance to dialogue, respect, and social harmony,” he added.
“People have chosen the path of peace,” he further said. The Prime Minister added that the projects he unveiled on Saturday here will improve people’s lives, in terms of infrastructure and healthcare.
“Just a short while ago, from this very platform, projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore were unveiled. These projects will further improve the lives of the people of Manipur, especially the tribal communities living in the Hills,” he said.
PM Modi’s Manipur visit and development projects
The Prime Minister launched various development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Manipur’s Churchandpur. He said that northeast states are key to achieving India’s big dreams.
“India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy, and I want to ensure that the fruits of development reach every corner of the country,” he added. The PM also hailed Manipur as a land of courage and valour, adding that he can never forget the love he received on his way to Churachandpur from Imphal by road.
“A special package of Rs 3,000 crore has also been granted. To help the displaced, Rs 500 crore has also been given… Today, the development of every tribal community is a priority for our country. For the first time, the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ (DAJGUA) is being implemented for the development of tribal areas….” he said.
“The culture of Manipur has always promoted women’s empowerment, and our government is also committed to empowering women. The government is constructing working women’s hostels to support the daughters of Manipur. We are moving forward with the aim of making Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity, and progress. I assure you that for the development of Manipur, for resettling displaced people in suitable locations as soon as possible, and for establishing peace, the Government of India will continue to support the Government of Manipur in the same spirit…” the PM added.
The Prime Minister also laid foundation for hospitals in the state. He said, “In earlier times, in the hilly and tribal areas, having good schools, colleges, or hospitals was just a dream. If someone fell ill, it used to take a long time to reach a hospital. Today, due to the efforts of the Government of India, the situation is improving.”
He said a medical college has been established in Churachandpur and new doctors are being trained there, ultimately improving the healthcare facilities.