Imphal/Churachandpur, September 13, 2025: In his first visit to Manipur since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a large gathering in Churachandpur, emphasizing renewed hope and development as the state navigates its fragile recovery. Describing Manipur as “the jewel of the Northeast,” PM Modi announced projects worth over ₹8,500 crore, including a vital railway line connecting the capital Imphal to Jiribam, set to integrate the state fully into India’s rail network for the first time. “Manipur’s land is one of hope and aspiration; despite the shadows of violence, a new dawn of trust is rising,” he said, reflecting on meetings with displaced families in relief camps.
The 2023 clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, fueled by long-standing tensions over land rights and government jobs, claimed over 250 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people, with thousands still unable to return home amid ongoing unrest. Internet services were suspended for months during the initial violence, deepening the humanitarian crisis, while activists have accused local leaders of exploiting divisions for political gain. PM Modi acknowledged the pain, stating, “I met those who lost everything in aid camps; today, I can say with certainty that hope and faith are returning.” He stressed the Centre’s efforts to restore normalcy, noting that over the past 11 years, numerous Northeast conflicts have been resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. “Peace is essential for progress—our ancestors and future generations deserve no less,” he added, highlighting ongoing talks with hill and valley groups as part of India’s peace initiatives.
Shifting focus to development, PM Modi’s speech centered on inclusive growth to bridge divides. In Churachandpur, he laid the foundation for projects exceeding ₹7,300 crore, including major highway expansions worth over ₹2,500 crore, the ₹3,600 crore Manipur Urban Roads and Drainage Project for better urban infrastructure, and the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) initiative to spur tech jobs. Working women’s hostels in nine locations were also flagged off to empower local women. In Imphal, inaugurations worth more than ₹1,200 crore featured a new civil secretariat, IT Special Economic Zone (SEZ), upgraded police headquarters, and enhanced Ima Keithel markets for women vendors, alongside Manipur Bhawans in Delhi and Kolkata for better administrative outreach.
Connectivity took center stage with the Jiribam-Imphal rail project, a ₹22,000 crore endeavor featuring 45 tunnels and over 140 bridges, poised to slash travel times and boost trade. “Decisions once taking decades from Delhi now reach Churachandpur and Manipur swiftly—we’re advancing together as India’s third-largest economy,” PM Modi declared. Aviation upgrades include a new ₹400 crore international terminal at Imphal airport, while health and education see a medical college in Churachandpur, super-specialty hospitals in remote areas, and improvements to 120 schools across 16 districts.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), PM Modi participated in Griha Pravesh ceremonies for 35,000 rural and 5,920 urban beneficiaries, handing over keys to select families. Nearly 7,000 homes for the homeless were highlighted as part of 60,000 already built statewide, providing dignity and security to thousands. He also touted water access gains: from 25,000-30,000 households a decade ago to over 3.5 lakh today via piped connections, aligning with national efforts where 15 crore people now enjoy clean drinking water. A special ₹3,000 crore package and ₹500 crore for displaced persons further underscore rehabilitation priorities.
The visit, part of a three-day Northeast tour covering Mizoram, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar with projects totaling ₹71,850 crore, unfolded under tight security in Manipur’s sensitive zones. The Kuki-Zo Council presented a memorandum seeking separate administration for peace, while opposition voices like Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the three-hour stay as “insensitive tokenism,” urging deeper engagement with camp residents. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla affirmed the state’s resilience, calling for unity against border threats.
PM Modi’s message of “Mani—the jewel illuminating the Northeast” resonates as Manipur balances healing and progress, with these initiatives aiming to foster economic ties across hills and valleys. As India eyes global growth, such Northeast-focused pushes could redefine regional integration—watch for updates on implementation and community responses.
