Imphal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Manipur for the first time since the 2023 ethnic violence. During his visit, PM Modi interacted with the victims of the violence in Manipur's Churachanpur. While addressing people in Churachandpur, the Prime Minister appealed for peace and unity in the state. He asserted that his government is with the people of the state.
Appealed For Peace and Unity:
"I would appeal to all organisations to move forward on the path of peace and fulfil their dreams. Today, I promise you that I am with you, the Government of India is with you, the people of Manipur," the Prime Minister said during his address at Churachandpur, the epicentre of the 2023 violence.
Centre's Efforts Restoring Peace:
He said that the Centre's continuous efforts towards peace led to talks between the two warring sides. PM Modi further stated that the Centre is making efforts to restore normalcy in the northeastern state. "The Government of India is making every possible effort to bring life back on track in Manipur. For families who have lost their homes, our government is helping to build 7,000 new houses," he said.
Trust Rising In Manipur:
PM Modi said that the people of Manipur are trusting the government. "The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence had cast its shadow on this beautiful region. A short while ago, I met those affected who are living in relief camps. After meeting them, I can say with confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is rising in Manipur.," the Prime Minister said.
"For development to take root anywhere, peace is essential. In the past 11 years, many conflicts and disputes in the Northeast have been resolved. People have chosen the path of peace and given priority to development," he added.
Satisfied With Negotiations With Groups:
Talking about recent negotiations between negotiations between groups to end violence, the Prime Minister said that his government was satisfied. "We are satisfied that recently in the hills and valleys, negotiations have taken place for agreements with different groups," the Prime Minister stated.
21st Century Is The Time Of The North East:
While addressing a rally in Imphal, PM Modi said that 21st century id the time of northeast states. "Now this time of the 21st century is the time of the Northeast. Therefore, the Government of India has continuously given priority to the development of Manipur. As a result, the development rate of Manipur is constantly increasing." he said.
Highlighting the development done by his government in Manipur, the Prime Minister said, "Before 2014, the development rate of Manipur was less than one per cent. Now, Manipur is progressing many times faster than before. A new era of infrastructure development has begun in Manipur. The pace of building roads and national highways in Manipur has also increased many times. Work is also being done at a fast pace to reach every village here."
Manipur Is Gateway of Indian Freedom Struggle:
PM Modi said that people have to take inspiration from Manipur's contribution in the freedom struggle of India and in the defence of India.
"It was the land of Manipur where the Indian National Army hoisted the Indian flag for the first time. Netaji Subhash called Manipur the gateway to India's freedom. This land has given many heroic sacrifices. Our government is moving forward taking inspiration from every such great personality of Manipur.," the Prime Minister further stated.
"Our government has taken another big step. Mount Harriet in Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been renamed as Mount Manipur. This is a tribute of 140 crore countrymen of India to the Manipuri freedom fighters," he added.
Hails Operation Sindoor:
PM Modi the contribution of the peole of Manipur in Indian Defence Forces. Talking of Operation SIndoor, the Prime Minister said that the world had seen the the power of the Indian Army.
"Our soldiers wreaked such havoc that the Pakistani army started to panic. The valour of many brave sons and daughters of Manipur is also included in this success of India," he said.
Paying tribute to BSF soldier Deepak Chingakham, who was killed in action during Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said, "Similarly, I salute the valour of our brave martyr Deepak Chingakham. The country will always remember his sacrifice during Operation Sindoor. I had said that Indian culture is incomplete without Manipuri culture."
Notably, the violence was first broke in Churachandpur on May 3, 2025 between members of Kuki and Meitei communities. Over 250 people lost their lives, while more than 1,000 were injured. Thousands of people were displayed from their homes due to the violence.
