PM Modi likely to visit Manipur in second week of September, first since ethnic violence erupted in 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Manipur in the second week of September, the first time since ethnic violence erupted in the State more than two years ago, government sources told The Hindu.

The Prime Minister is likely to visit Imphal and Churachandpur districts in the violence-hit State where he is expected to meet people displaced from their homes due to the ethnic strife. During his visit, he is also likely to announce key infrastructure projects for the region and inaugurate few projects, sources said.

The Manipur visit is likely to occur during Mr. Modi’s forthcoming trip to Mizoram and Assam from September 12-14. He is scheduled to inaugurate railway and other key infrastructure projects in the two States.

Tight security

Security arrangements are being tightened in Manipur to prevent any kind of violence. “The dates for the PM’s visit are being worked out. There could be attempts to instigate violence but we are keeping a close watch on the entire situation,” said a senior government official.

At least 250 people have been killed and more than 60,000 people are living in relief camps since the violence between the Meitei and the Kuki-Zo people flared up in the Northeastern State on May 3, 2023.

Criticism against PM

Ever since violence broke out, Mr. Modi has been criticised for not visiting the State by the Opposition parties as well as locals in Manipur.

The State was placed under President’s Rule on February 13 for six months, which was extended for another six months on August 5 after the statutory resolution moved by Home Minister Amit Shah was endorsed by both the Houses of Parliament.

Though President’s Rule was extended, efforts are on to restore the elected government as the Manipur Assembly has not ben dissolved.

Barring few incidents, no major violence has taken place in the State after President’s Rule was imposed. Police cracked down against organised groups running extortion rackets and seized hundreds of weapons looted from police armouries in 2023. The recoveries were made from both hill and valley districts. As many as 6,020 police weapons were looted from police armouries and around 3,000 have been recovered so far.