Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for building a “strong bridge of trust” between the Hills and the Valley in Manipur, during his first visit to the strife-hit state since ethnic violence erupted more than two years ago.
Narendra Modi urged both the Meitei community, who predominantly inhabit the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo people of the hill districts, to embrace harmony and inclusive development, while addressing a public gathering at Imphal’s Kangla Fort. “Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. Therefore, we have to take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development — and we have to do it together,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that reconciliation was central to the state’s future. “Manipur is the ‘ratna’ adorning the crown of Mother India. Any form of violence here is condemnable. It is not only unfortunate but also a grave injustice to our ancestors and future generations. Together, we must take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development,” he said, assuring that his government was “committed to healing the wounds and restoring confidence.”
He described Imphal as a “city of opportunities” and envisioned it as one of the places that would accelerate the pace of India’s development. “The 21st century belongs to the Northeast,” he added, praising women of Manipur for being at the forefront of the state’s economic growth.
Lauding the bravery of Manipuri soldiers, Modi highlighted their contribution to national security. “In India’s successful Operation Sindoor, the valiant sons of Manipur played a key role,” he remarked.
During his visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated 17 projects worth nearly ₹1,200 crore. These included the new Manipur Police headquarters at Mantripukhri, constructed at a cost of ₹101 crore, and a new civil secretariat in the same area, costing ₹538 crore.
Other projects unveiled were the Manipur Bhavans in Delhi and Kolkata, development of the western front of the Imphal River (Phase II), and the Mall Road (Phase II) in the state capital. Infrastructure upgrades were also announced for five government colleges across Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching districts. Additional projects included four new ‘Ima’ (mothers) markets, a cultural and heritage park in Imphal West, a four-lane bridge over the Irang river on the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway, and new institutional facilities at Saikot Community Health Centre in Churachandpur district.
However, the Prime Minister’s visit was met with opposition protests. Activists from the youth wings of the Congress and the Manipur Peoples’ Party (MPP) staged demonstrations near Kangla Fort, holding placards and shouting slogans. They dismissed the trip as a “political ploy” and alleged that it was "not aimed at restoration of peace and normalcy.” Police stopped protesters from reaching the venue.
The visit marks PM Modi’s first to Manipur since May 2023, when violence broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities after the Manipur High Court directed the then state government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteis. The clashes killed over 200 people and displaced more than sixty thousand people, eventually leading to the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and the imposition of President’s Rule earlier this year.
