Churachandpur Visit and ₹7,300 Crore Projects
According to official sources, PM Modi will land in Churachandpur district around 12:30 pm from Aizawl, Mizoram. He is expected to interact with people displaced during the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. At the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of development projects worth ₹7,300 crore. The projects cover sectors including road infrastructure, healthcare, and housing.
Churachandpur was among the worst-affected regions during the unrest, which claimed at least 260 lives and forced thousands into relief camps. By starting his visit here, Modi is sending a strong message of reconciliation and development to the Kuki-dominated district.
From Churachandpur, the Prime Minister will proceed to Imphal, the state capital, where he will inaugurate projects valued at ₹1,200 crore. The projects in Imphal focus on education, digital connectivity, and public welfare initiatives. He will also address a large public gathering, signaling outreach to the Meitei community that forms a majority in the valley.
The government sees the dual focus on both Kuki and Meitei strongholds as a step toward restoring balance and building trust across communities.
Call for Peace and Development
Chief Secretary Goel expressed optimism that the Prime Minister’s visit would help accelerate peace and development. “The visit of the honourable Prime Minister will pave the way for peace, normalcy and growth in the state. I request the people of Manipur to welcome him and participate in large numbers,” he said.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition parties have, however, criticized the timing of the visit. Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra said the visit was “merely symbolic,” arguing that people had been waiting for a concrete roadmap for peace, rehabilitation, and justice. He stressed the need for dialogue with all stakeholders to ensure lasting stability.
Earlier, in August 2023, the opposition moved a no-confidence motion in Parliament over the Manipur issue, but the government defended its handling and highlighted the failures of previous administrations in the northeast.
Background of the Violence
The violence began on May 3, 2023, when a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in hill districts to oppose the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the Meitei community. The clashes soon escalated into widespread ethnic conflict, leaving deep scars on the social fabric of the state. Relief camps continue to house thousands of displaced families awaiting rehabilitation.
PM Modi had previously assured the nation that peace in Manipur was a priority for the government, but his absence from the state since the unrest had drawn strong criticism from political opponents and civil society groups.