Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to various ethnic groups in Manipur to leave violence and restore peace in the state during their first Manipur visit to Manipur after violence in 2023. He said that a new dawn of “hope and faith” is emerging in the northeastern state.
Addressing a public meeting in Churachandpur, he assured the public to support the Center.
Prime Minister Modi said, “I appeal to all groups to follow the path of peace to fulfill their dreams and secure the future of their children. Today, I promise that I stand with you. The Government of India stands with the people of Manipur.”
On reaching Imphal Airport today, Prime Minister Modi decided to go by road to Churachandpur, about 60 km, as it was not possible to reach the venue by helicopter.
The Prime Minister met and interacted with displaced people in caste violence in Churachandpur.
The weather was not compatible with him to go to Churachandpur by helicopter. Despite heavy rains, the Prime Minister decided to reach the venue by road so that they could talk to the people, although it took an hour and a half to reach the venue by road.
The Prime Minister said, “Manipur has always been a land of hope, but unfortunately, it has gone through a difficult period of violence. I met the affected people living in the camps. After talking to them, I can say that the new morning of hope and trust is knocking in Manipur.”
Prime Minister Modi has expressed satisfaction with the recent peace agreements with several ethnic groups in the state.
He said, “Peace is important for development in any field. Many conflicts have ended in the Northeast in the last 11 years. People have chosen the path of peace by giving priority to development. I am satisfied that compromise talks with many groups in the hills and valleys have started. This is a part of the government’s initiative to establish dialogue, respect and mutual understanding.”
The Prime Minister said, “We are giving assistance to build 7,000 houses for homeless people. A special package of Rs 3000 crore has also been announced.”
This is Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to the state after the dispute in May 2023 and the dispute between Maetai and Cookie communities for the last few years.
This struggle has caused permanent damage to Manipur, damaged its economy, disintegrated social harmony and destabilized its political scenario.
Referring to the cultural diversity and development projects in Manipur, Prime Minister Modi said, “The cultural diversity and vibration of the region is a great power of India. Manipur’s name is ‘Mani’ (Moti).
He said, “Some time ago, the foundation stone of projects worth about Rs 7000 crore was laid. These projects would improve the lives of the public and tribal communities living in the mountains. These projects will build new health and education facilities. I congratulate the public for these projects.”
He said, “Manipur is adjacent to boundaries and connectivity has been a challenge here. I understand the problems faced by you due to bad roads, which is why after 2014, I emphasized the importance of connectivity in Manipur. The government has worked on two levels for this.”
The PM said, “First, for Manipur we increased rapidly in rail and road budget and second, emphasis on roads in cities as well as villages. In the last few years, Rs 3,700 crore has been spent on national highways in Manipur, while work on highways worth Rs 8,700 crore has been going on.”
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for several development projects costing more than Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur, Manipur.
In line with his commitment to the inclusive, sustainable and overall development of Manipur, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Manipur urban road and drainage and asset management improvement project costing more than Rs 3,600 crore.
He also laid the foundation stone of five national highway projects, Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project and working women hostels at nine places costing more than Rs 2,500 crore.
