PM Modi Visits Conflict-Hit Manipur for First Time Since Ethnic Violence, Pledges Peace and Support:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Manipur in two years, addressing the deep-rooted ethnic tensions that have plagued the northeastern Indian state since May 2023. At least 260 people have been killed and tens of thousands displaced in violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The Prime Minister’s visit on Saturday included stops in both Churachandpur — a Kuki-dominated hill town — and Imphal, the Meitei-majority capital of Manipur. His message throughout the day was clear: the central government is committed to restoring peace, rebuilding homes, and healing the divisions that have torn the state apart. “In order to bring life back on track in Manipur, the government of India is making all possible efforts,” Modi said to a large gathering in Churachandpur. “I promise you today that I’m with you. The government of India is with the people of Manipur.” This is the Prime Minister’s first trip to Manipur since the ethnic conflict began over a year ago. The violence, rooted in longstanding disputes over land rights, government benefits, and political representation, erupted in May 2023. It has since displaced over 60,000 people, many of whom remain in temporary shelters. Speaking later in Imphal, Modi announced a major rehabilitation effort, including the construction of 7,000 new homes for displaced families. He called on both the Meitei and Kuki communities to open channels of communication and rebuild trust. “We should strengthen the bridge of brotherhood between the hills and the valley,” he said, referring to the geographical and ethnic divide between the two groups. “Dialogue is the only way forward.” Manipur has been under direct rule from New Delhi since February 2025, when then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, a member of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), resigned amid mounting criticism over his handling of the crisis. The Prime Minister's return to the state signals a renewed push to stabilize the region, which shares a sensitive border with Myanmar. During his visit, Modi also reviewed infrastructure projects and pledged continued development support. This trip is part of a broader three-day tour that includes Assam and Bihar. In Bihar, a state with over 130 million people and India’s highest poverty rates, Modi is set to unveil investment projects worth $8 billion. These include agricultural modernization plans, new railways, road upgrades, and airport expansion. Bihar remains the only major Hindi-speaking state where the BJP has never governed alone, making it a critical battleground ahead of the October/November state elections. The situation in Manipur remains fragile, with human rights groups warning of political manipulation of ethnic tensions for electoral gains. However, Modi's public appeal for peace and unity marks a significant step toward national reconciliation. Whether this visit can translate into long-term peace remains to be seen, but for many in Manipur, it brings a glimmer of hope after months of violence and displacement.

NEWS