Imphal, Manipur — Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to Manipur today, his first since the ethnic clashes of May 2023 that claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands. The visit, marked by heavy rains and a heartfelt road journey, symbolized both resilience and reconciliation in the troubled state.
Despite inclement weather that grounded his helicopter, PM Modi in Manipur chose to travel 1.5 hours by road to Churachandpur, where he met families living in relief camps. Along the route, crowds lined up with the tricolour, braving the rain to greet him. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said, “Manipur is a land of bravery, I salute your jazba. When I was coming here by road, I could see people with the tricolour in hand. I will never forget this moment.”
The visit was not only symbolic but also developmental. PM Modi in Manipur launched 19 projects worth ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur, targeting infrastructure, healthcare expansion, and digital skill training for youth. Later in Imphal, he inaugurated initiatives worth ₹1,200 crore, including the state’s new civil secretariat and police headquarters. He emphasized that diversity and vibrancy remain Manipur’s strength and can serve as a guiding light for the entire Northeast.
The Prime Minister also called for community driven reconciliation, urging local leaders, civil society, and youth to put peace at the forefront. “Dialogue and trust are the foundation of harmony,” he said, underscoring that the state’s future lies in unity rather than division.
However, the visit sparked sharp political reactions. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the trip as “belated and superficial”, pointing to the two year delay since the violent clashes. On the other hand, BJP supporters highlighted Modi’s consistent engagement, noting that this was his ninth visit to the state overall and praising the enthusiastic reception despite torrential rain.
For many residents, PM Modi in Manipur brought a sense of national attention back to the state. The development push, combined with an emotional appeal for peace, has raised hopes that reconciliation may follow years of unrest. Whether the projects and promises translate into long term stability remains to be seen, but the visit undoubtedly marked a pivotal moment in Manipur’s healing journey.
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