Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made his first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, resulting in over 260 deaths and hundreds of others being displaced according to The Times of India and Economic Times. His visit, which the government announced will be centered on inclusive development and outreach, included inaugurations, foundation-laying and direct connection with people who were hurt by the conflict.
Infrastructure and foundations in Churachandpur
Modi also laid foundation stones in Churachandpur for schemes amounting to around ₹7,300 crore, according to the government sources as quoted by the Economic Times. They are the ₹3,647 crore drainage and asset management improvement scheme and the ₹550 crore Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) scheme. He also announced works on working women's hostels in nine places, upgradation of 120 high schools and higher secondary schools in all 16 districts and rural connectivity improvement, according to the Prime Minister's Office and IANS.
Inaugurations, government buildings and the reactions
In Imphal, Modi inaugurated development projects worth approximately ₹1,200 crore, including a new Police Headquarters in Mantripukhri at a cost of ₹101 crore and a civil secretariat for ₹538 crore, the Economic Times reported. Modi also met with internally displaced persons in Imphal and Churachandpur, the government further added. Opposition leaders like Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh denounced the visit as insufficient, calling it "a farce" and "an insult to the people," as he appeared to plan for a three-hour visit to the state, as quoted by Economic Times. Though it felt like a short time to others, the move was welcomed as a much-needed measure toward renewed infrastructure building and displacement issues by other local leaders, based on Live Mint reports.
