Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visit Manipur LIVE Updates: The Centre seeks to make Manipur a symbol of peace and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, as made his first visit to the state since ethnic violence broke out two years ago.
Addressing a public meeting in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district, he said the Centre’s continuous efforts towards peace led to talks between the two warring sides. “It is unfortunate that violence happened here. Today, I want to promise you that the Government of India is with you and I am with you,” he said.
After his address in Churachandpur, he left to address another gathering in Imphal. The Prime Minister is scheduled to lay foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 8,500 crore.
Security has been tightened in Imphal and Churachandpur district headquarters town. Both state and central forces’ personnel have been in large numbers in and around the nearly 237-acre Kangla Fort in Imphal and the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, the venues of the Prime Minister’s rallies.
The visit comes amid constant criticism by opposition parties for not visiting the state, following the ethnic strife between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which has left over 260 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023.