PM Modi to Visit Manipur Over Two Years After Ethnic Violence Erupted

Introduction

In a highly anticipated development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Manipur, his first trip to the state since it was engulfed by deadly ethnic violence more than two years ago. The Prime Minister will visit the two epicenters of the conflict, Imphal and Churachandpur, where he will interact with internally displaced people and launch development projects worth over ₹8,500 crore. The visit is being officially positioned as a move to usher in peace, but it comes amidst heavy criticism from opposition parties over the significant delay.

Key Takeaways: The Prime Minister’s Visit

• Who: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  
  
• Where: Visiting Imphal (Meitei-majority) and Churachandpur (Kuki-majority) in Manipur.
  
  
• Purpose: To meet with internally displaced people (IDPs) and launch development projects.
  
  
• Projects: Foundation stones for projects worth ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur and inauguration of projects worth ₹1,200 crore in Imphal.
  
  
• Context: This is the PM’s first visit since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023, which has claimed over 260 lives.
  
  

A Visit Laden with Symbolism and Expectation

The Prime Minister’s itinerary is deeply symbolic. By visiting both the Meitei-majority Imphal valley and the Kuki-majority hills of Churachandpur, the government aims to send a message of impartiality and a commitment to restoring peace across the state’s ethnic divide.

The most crucial part of the PM Modi Manipur visit will be his interaction with the thousands of people who remain internally displaced. Since the violence erupted in May 2023, an estimated 60,000 people have been forced from their homes, and many continue to live in temporary relief camps. The Prime Minister’s meeting with these victims is a significant gesture aimed at healing the deep wounds left by the conflict.

Development as a Pathway to Peace

A major focus of the visit is on development and infrastructure. Mr. Modi will launch a massive portfolio of projects with a combined worth of over ₹8,500 crore. This includes laying the foundation stones for projects valued at ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur and inaugurating completed projects worth ₹1,200 crore in Imphal. This two-pronged approach of outreach and development is being projected as the Centre’s formula to “pave way for peace, normalcy, and growth in the State.”

Political Context and Criticism

The PM Modi Manipur visit comes at a critical political juncture. The state is currently under President’s Rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, whose government was unable to control the widespread violence.

The visit has not been without controversy. Opposition parties have been relentless in their criticism of the Prime Minister for not visiting the state sooner. They have argued that the two-year delay has deepened the sense of alienation among the people of Manipur. The government, however, maintains that it has been actively engaged in restoring peace through back-channel talks and by deploying central forces.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur is a momentous event, filled with both hope and heavy expectations. For the thousands of people displaced by the tragic ethnic conflict, it is a long-awaited acknowledgment of their suffering from the country’s highest leadership. While the launch of development projects is a welcome step, the true success of this visit will be measured by its ability to bridge the profound trust deficit between the Kuki and Meitei communities and lay a genuine foundation for lasting peace in the strife-torn state.


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Sources:

1. The Hindu: For the initial report on the PM’s visit.
2. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), India: For official itinerary and project details.

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