Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on September 13th, marking his first trip to the state since the ethnic violence erupted in 2023. The visit, coming after nearly two years of silence, drew both attention and criticism. For many locals, the timing felt long overdue, as thousands had already been displaced and hundreds had lost their lives.
During his stay, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth over ₹8,000 crore. These included roads, schools, health facilities, and initiatives to support women’s markets. While these announcements highlighted the government’s development agenda, many residents questioned whether infrastructure projects could truly address the deeper wounds left by the conflict.
At the same time, Modi urged communities to end the cycle of violence. He emphasized that peace remains essential for progress. Moreover, he met displaced families and assured them of government support. Yet for many, the gestures felt symbolic, since their struggles had persisted without any engagement for nearly two years.
Political and Public Reactions
Opposition leaders had questioned the timing of the visit. They argued that the trip came too late and offered little in terms of justice or reconciliation. On the ground, survivors expressed frustration, noting that while projects may shape the future, the pain of loss and the absence of earlier intervention could not be overlooked.
Still, the visit placed Manipur back in the national spotlight. Whether the Prime Minister’s development push will translate into genuine reconciliation remains uncertain. For now, the gap between official promises and local realities continues to define the debate over Manipur’s future.
$1 Billion Development Push
The projects include women’s hostels, indoor stadiums, and road networks. During his three-hour visit, Mr. Modi also met displaced families from both communities in Imphal, the state capital, and in Churachandpur town, according to the New Indian Express.
In Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority area, the Prime Minister described Manipur as “a land of hope and aspiration” overshadowed by violence. He urged groups to choose peace and protect the future of their children.
Speaking in Imphal, the Meitei-dominated capital, Modi announced the construction of 7,000 new homes for families uprooted by the conflict. He repeated his call for dialogue, saying the government was “constantly working to ensure peace and stability in Manipur.”
Opposition Slams Visit as “Tokenism”
Opposition leaders quickly condemned the short trip, calling it a show without substance.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed the visit as “a farce, tokenism, and an insult to a wounded people.” He accused the Prime Minister of staging a roadshow instead of listening to the displaced in relief camps.
Protests also broke out in Imphal, where demonstrators burned an effigy of Modi.
Stay updated for more with The World Times.
