PM Modi to visit Manipur for first time since ethnic clashes began in 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Manipur on Saturday for his first visit to the state since ethnic clashes broke out between the Kuki and Meitei communities more than two years ago.

Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel on Friday stated that the prime minister will speak with persons displaced due to the conflict in Churachandpur and Imphal.

More than 59,000 persons have been displaced and at least 260 killed since the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities broke out in May 2023. There was periodic uptick in violence through 2024.

According to Kumar, Modi will also lay foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore at Peace Ground in Churachandpur and inaugurate projects worth Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal.

Security has been tightened in Imphal and Churachandpur districts.

On Thursday, clashes broke out in Churachandpur after a group allegedly tried to tear down decorative structures erected along roads in preparation for the prime minister’s visit.

The state has been under President’s Rule since February, after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.

Modi’s visit comes amid repeated criticism by Opposition parties for the prime minister having not visited the state since the conflict broke out.

In January, the Congress accused Modi of abdicating his responsibilities by “outsourcing” Manipur to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Congress MP from Manipur Alfred Arthur Kanngam...

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