PM Modi to visit Manipur on Saturday, his first visit since ethnic violence broke out in 2023

NEW DELHI: Putting speculations to rest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur on Saturday, September 13, and will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said on Friday, in the first official confirmation of the PM's trip to the strife-torn state. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has also confirmed about Modi's Manipur visit. This will be Modi's first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in the state two years ago. The violence had erupted between the Meitei people, a majority that lives in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribal community from the surrounding hills. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state. The choice of Churachandpur is significant because the district was among the worst hit by the violence, which claimed at least 260 lives and left thousands displaced. While Churachandpur is Kuki-dominated, Meiteis are in a majority in Imphal, thus balancing the signals sent out in the politically significant visit, a report noted. In line with his commitment to the inclusive, sustainable, and holistic development of the state, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for several development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur. These include the Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; five National Highway projects valued at more than Rs 2,500 crore; the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) Project; Working Women Hostels at nine locations, among others. The projects to be inaugurated in Imphal include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; the IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans in Delhi and Kolkata; and the Ima Markets unique all-women markets in four districts. Days before PM Modi's visit to state, BJP members resign en masse in Manipur's Phungyar constituency As part of his programme, Prime Minister Modi will also address a gathering in Manipur on the occasion. Thereafter, he will inaugurate various projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal and address a public function. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to visit Manipur. He stated that the turmoil in the state has been going for a long time. The issue in Manipur has been ongoing for a long time. It is good that he is going there now, Gandhi said, according to ANI . Modi will also visit Mizoram, Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. In Assam, Modi will participate in the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati where he will also address a gathering. On September 14, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of major infrastructure and industrial development projects worth over Rs 18,530 crore in Assam. He will also address a public function in Darrang. On September 15, the Prime Minister will visit West Bengal to inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders Conference2025 in Kolkata. Thereafter, he will visit Bihar same day and inaugurate the new terminal building of Purnea Airport. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around Rs 36,000 crore in Purnea and address a public gathering on the occasion. RSS tries its hand at solving Manipur stalemate, weighs in on BJP chiefs appointment Additionally, he will launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar. In Mizoram, the Prime Minister will also flag off three new express trains: the Sairang (Aizawl)Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, the SairangGuwahati Express, and the SairangKolkata Express. It will be the first time Aizawl is directly connected with Delhi via a Rajdhani Express, while the SairangGuwahati Express will improve connectivity between Mizoram and Assam. Notably, the SairangKolkata Express will establish direct connectivity between Mizoram and Kolkata. (With inputs from Online Desk.) Days before PM Modi's visit to state, BJP members resign en masse in Manipur's Phungyar constituency