Modi visiting Manipur to launch big projects, Project reconciliation; opposition calls it delayed tokenism.
PM Narendra Modi visited Manipur, laying foundation stones for several development projects in Churachandpur at 12:30 pm today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Manipur on Saturday, September 13, marking his first visit to the state since ethnic violence erupted in 2023. The trip carried immense symbolic weight, as it came more than a year after violence tore through the northeastern state, displacing thousands and leaving deep scars on communities still struggling to heal.
In Manipur, Modi’s itinerary reflected both urgency and compassion. He began by meeting with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal, the two epicenters of last year’s unrest. For families who had lost homes and loved ones, the interaction offered an opportunity to speak directly to the nation’s leader—a rare moment for voices often unheard in the chaos of conflict. Survivors spoke of their grief, their need for security, and their hopes for reconciliation.
Around 12:30 pm, Modi laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Churachandpur, one of the worst-affected districts during the ethnic clashes. The projects, ranging from infrastructure upgrades to community facilities, were intended not only to boost economic activity but also to serve as a reassurance that the state’s long-neglected regions will not be left behind. For residents, seeing bulldozers, engineers, and fresh blueprints on paper was a reminder that rebuilding is possible—even in places where violence once dominated daily life.
The visit, however, unfolded under tight security. Authorities had issued a detailed advisory ahead of the “VVIP programme” at Peace Ground, where the public gathered to hear the prime minister. People were asked not to bring everyday items such as keys, pens, water bottles, bags, umbrellas, or even handkerchiefs—objects that, under normal circumstances, are harmless but in volatile times can become risks. Another notice urged people to avoid bringing children below 12 years and the elderly or sick, reflecting the seriousness of the precautions.
In Churachandpur district, the administration had already banned the use of air guns in the lead-up to Modi’s visit. The decision underscored how fragile the security situation remains and how every measure is being taken to prevent any incident that might overshadow the prime minister’s presence.
Beyond Manipur, Modi extended his journey to neighboring Mizoram. In Aizawl, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹9,000 crore. Among the highlights was the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail Line, which for the first time connects Mizoram to India’s vast railway network. For the people of Mizoram, the rail link represents more than steel tracks and stations—it symbolizes integration, opportunity, and the promise of economic growth through easier access to trade and mobility.
For both Manipur and Mizoram, Modi’s visit carried a dual message: healing and progress. In Manipur, it was about addressing wounds still raw, offering support to communities displaced by violence, and laying down the foundation—literally and figuratively—for a more stable future. In Mizoram, it was about opening doors to development, weaving the state more tightly into India’s national framework.
The human stories behind these events—families waiting for security, youth hoping for jobs, elders longing for peace—are what give Modi’s visit its true significance. Beyond the ceremonies and speeches, the trip was about listening, rebuilding, and reminding the people of India’s Northeast that they are not forgotten.