Imphal, Sep 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur on September 13, his first trip to the state since ethnic violence broke out two years ago, and will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal, besides inaugurating development projects worth Rs 8,500 crore.
The Prime Minister’s visit, which was officially confirmed by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel on Friday, comes amid repeated criticism by opposition parties for not visiting Manipur following the ethnic strife between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which has left over 260 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023.
Addressing a press conference here, the chief secretary asserted that peace is “not only the absence of violence but also the presence of trust, harmony and reconciliation”.
“Thus, the visit of the Prime Minister to Manipur will pave the way to peace, normalcy, and accelerated growth in the state. The Prime Minister will be arriving in Manipur on September 13 from Aizawl,” he said.
Modi will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal, and address two rallies during his visit to the state, he said.
In a release, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “In line with his commitment to inclusive, sustainable and holistic development of Manipur, the PM will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur.”
Modi will also inaugurate multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal, it said.
Reacting to the announcement of Modi’s visit, the Congress claimed that the trip, instead of providing a force for peace and harmony, is actually going to be a “farce”.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said, “So now it is official. The PM will spend less than 3 hours in Manipur tomorrow. This visit, instead of providing a force for peace and harmony, is actually going to be a farce”.
Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra also alleged that Modi’s visit to the ethnic violence-hit state is “merely symbolic”, and “not aimed at bringing peace and ensuring justice”.
During his press conference, Goel said the state government appreciates the efforts of the people of Manipur, both in the hills and valley, for “successfully moving forward to restore peace and normalcy” in Manipur.
“The joint efforts of all the stakeholders have brought stability and security slowly but stealthily in the state”, he added.
Manipur has been under the President’s Rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
Goel also said, “Manipur is not just a border state but a central pillar of India’s Act East Policy and gateway to South East Asia, proud guardian of India’s diversity.”
Goel appealed to the people of Manipur to come forward and welcome the PM to the state and participate in the programmes in large numbers.
According to officials, nearly 57000 internally displaced persons are staying in around 250 relief centres in the state till June this year. In the beginning (2023), there were more than 62000 IDPs, but many have returned to their homes after the law and order situation improved, former chief secretary P K Singh said in July this year. (PTI)
