(Image source from: Hindustantimes.com)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the victims of ethnic violence in Churachandpur, Manipur this afternoon. This was his first visit in two years, as the northeastern state has been facing unrest since the ethnic violence began in 2023. The victims include those who have been displaced and lost their homes. Photos showed the Prime Minister welcoming young children and receiving flowers and a painting from them, before he was set to speak at the Peace Ground in the town. During the meeting, PM Modi was seen wearing a hat adorned with bird feathers that a child had given him. He also laid the foundation for projects worth more than Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur. These projects include urban roads, highway improvements, and several hostels for working women, among other developments.
While speaking later at the Peace Ground, he remembered his visit to relief camps and emphasized that peace is essential for development in Manipur. He mentioned that over 7,000 new homes are being constructed for those who were displaced, highlighting that efforts are ongoing to restore stability in the region. The Prime Minister also discussed improving transportation in Manipur. "We focused on two areas: increasing the budget for rail and road. We built rural roads. Rs 3,700 crore has been invested in national highways in Manipur. It used to be very hard to reach villages. Now, many villages have road access," he stated. He also noted that rail connections are being enhanced in Manipur, announcing that Imphal will soon be connected to the national railway network. Additionally, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate projects worth Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal, the state capital.
PM Modi's visit to Manipur is particularly important due to the ethnic violence that has caused major disruptions in the state. The Meitei community, which primarily resides in the valleys, and the Kuki tribes, who are more prevalent in some hill areas, have been in conflict since May 2023 over various issues, including land rights and political representation. More than 260 people have lost their lives in the violence, and around 50,000 have been displaced. The Meitei community seeks inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kukis, who have ethnic connections to the Chin State and Mizoram in Myanmar, are advocating for a separate administration from Manipur, citing discrimination and unequal distribution of resources and power with the Meiteis.
