Ensure PM Modi's visit to Manipur is peaceful, returns happy: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to MLAs

GUWAHATI: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla told ruling MLAs to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the state passes off 'peacefully' and he returns 'happy.' Although the itinerary of the PMs visit has not been officially announced, he is expected to visit the state on September 13. This will be his first visit to the state since the bloody ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo tribals erupted on May 3, 2023. The violence had left around 260 people dead and some 60,000 others internally displaced. The governor held a closed-door meeting with over 20 MLAs on Sunday, sparking speculations on the possible formation of the government in the state, which has been under Presidents rule for the past few months. A BJP legislator, however, said the meeting with the governor revolved around the PMs visit. We discussed the PMs visit over breakfast. The governor asked us to see that there is a peaceful atmosphere and the PM returns happy, said MLA, who doesn't wish to be named, told TNIE. Not only the people of Manipur, but the whole country wanted him to visit the state, the MLA said. Maybe, something big is in store. He might announce a kind of package for Manipur, he said, expressing optimism. Former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh were among MLAs who attended the meeting. Modi is expected to have two programmes one at Imphal's Kangla Fort, which is the traditional seat of power of Meitei rulers, and the other at the Peace Ground in Kuki-majority Churachandpur. Extensive preparations are underway at both places. The PM is likely to attend the event in Churachandpur and then fly to Kangla Fort in a helicopter. He is expected to leave the state the same day for Assam, where he will attend the birth centenary celebrations of legendary singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika and lay the foundation for various development projects. The PM is also likely to visit Mizoram to inaugurate the 51.38-km BairabiSairang railway line.