NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reached Imphal on his first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. Braving heavy rain, the prime minister travelled by road to Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated district, after inclement weather disrupted his scheduled helicopter journey from Aizawl.PM Modi was received at the Imphal airport by governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel. Security was tightened across the state for the visit, with central and state forces deployed in large numbers at key venues including Kangla Fort in Imphal and Peace Ground in Churachandpur.During his day-long visit, the prime minister laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur and inaugurated projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal.Prime Minister Modi also interacted with locals during his visit to Churachandpur. Residents greeted him with traditional Zomie and Thadou Kuki shawls, while a young girl presented him with a portrait.The visit comes amid criticism from opposition parties, who had accused the prime minister of not visiting Manipur since ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities erupted last year, leaving over 260 people dead and thousands displaced.Earlier in the day, PM Modi dedicated Mizoram’s first railway line, the Bairabi–Sairang express, to the nation, describing it as a “lifeline of transformation” for the state.Top quotes from PM Modi’s visit to Manipur:
- On violence and hope: “Violence was unfortunate. I spoke to displaced people and can say Manipur is looking towards a new dawn.”
- On peace talks: “Centre’s continuous efforts led to peace talks between hill and valley groups.”
- On peace appeal: “I urge all outfits to embark on the path of peace to secure your children’s future.”
- On Manipur’s spirit: “The land of Manipur is the land of courage and determination. These hills are a priceless gift of nature, and at the same time, they symbolize your continuous hard work. I salute the spirit of the people of Manipur.”
- On local affection: “I can never forget the love I received on my way to Churachandpur from Imphal by road.”
- On Manipur’s significance: “There is ‘Mani’ in the name of Manipur. It is that ‘Mani’ which is going to make the entire Northeast shine in the future. The Government of India has been trying to take Manipur forward on the path of development. A while ago, the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 7,000 crore was laid here.”
- On projects unveiled: “The projects unveiled today will improve people’s lives in Manipur, in terms of infrastructure and healthcare.”
- On connectivity: “Since 2014, I have given special stress on improving connectivity in Manipur. The Centre has increased budget allocation for railway and road connectivity projects in the state.”
- On India’s growth: “India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy. I want to ensure that the fruits of development reach every corner of the country.”