Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Churachandpur in Manipur on Saturday, marking his first trip to the state since the ethnic violence of 2023. His arrival was met with warmth as children greeted him with tokens of affection, including a hand-drawn portrait and a traditional headpiece. Modi shared cheerful interactions with them, creating a light and memorable start to his visit.
Addressing the crowd, Modi hailed Manipur as a “land of courage and bravery.” He expressed admiration for the spirit of its people, noting how thousands braved the heavy rain to welcome him. Sharing his experience, he said his helicopter could not land due to weather conditions, prompting him to travel by road. Along the journey, he was moved by the sight of both young and elderly citizens waving the national flag with pride, a moment he described as unforgettable.
Modi also emphasized that the very name “Manipur” carries the word “Mani,” symbolizing a jewel, which he believes will make the entire Northeast shine in the future. He reiterated the central government’s dedication to pushing the state forward on the path of progress through infrastructure, digital projects, and social welfare schemes.
This was also the Prime Minister’s first opportunity to directly meet with families affected by last year’s ethnic unrest. At Churachandpur’s Peace Ground, he sat with displaced individuals, listened to their grievances, and reassured them of the Centre’s support in restoring peace and stability. Officials reported that various rehabilitation and skill training programs, such as candle and incense-making, are being introduced to help internally displaced persons (IDPs) regain livelihoods.
The 2023 violence left more than 60,000 people uprooted, including nearly 40,000 from the Kuki Zo community and around 20,000 from the Meitei community. Over 260 lives were lost, and thousands of families continue to recover from the devastation. Modi’s visit, with its mix of development announcements and personal outreach, signaled the government’s commitment to both rebuilding infrastructure and healing communities.
