Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met victims of ethnic violence in Churachandpur, marking his first visit to Manipur in two years since unrest broke out in 2023. The Prime Minister greeted young children, received a bouquet and a painting from them, and was seen wearing a hat decorated with bird feathers gifted by one of the children.
The meeting took place ahead of his address at the Peace Ground, where Modi recalled interactions with those living in relief camps. The victims include internally displaced persons who lost their homes during the clashes.
Peace and Development at the Centre of PM Modi’s Address
Speaking at Peace Ground, PM Modi emphasised that peace is a prerequisite for development in Manipur. “Over 7,000 new homes are being built for those who were displaced,” he said, underlining ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the state.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of projects worth over ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur, including urban roads, highway projects, and hostels for working women. He further announced that projects worth ₹1,200 crore would be inaugurated in Imphal.
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Highlighting connectivity as a key focus, Modi said, “We worked on two prongs: we increased the budget for rail and road. We built rural roads. ₹3,700 crore have been spent on national highways in Manipur. Previously, reaching villages was so difficult. Now, many villages have road connectivity.” He added that Imphal would soon be linked to the national rail network.
Ethnic Violence and Its Aftermath
PM Modi’s visit comes against the backdrop of ethnic violence that has gripped Manipur since May 2023. The clashes between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes have claimed over 260 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people.
The Meiteis, who are in the ‘general’ category, have demanded inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes list, while the Kuki tribes, sharing ties with Myanmar’s Chin State and Mizoram, have sought a separate administration within Manipur. They allege discrimination and unequal distribution of resources and power in comparison to the Meiteis.
