On his first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence erupted over two years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (September 13, 2025) called for strengthening dialogue to build a strong bridge of harmony between the State’s hill and valley districts.
The ethnic conflict that broke out in May 2023 is between the Meitei people who dominate the Imphal valley and the Kuki-Zo people who dominate the surrounding hills.
After flying into Imphal airport from Aizawl in Mizoram, where he had inaugurated a railway project, Mr. Modi headed by road to the hill district of Churachandpur. Establishing peace is essential for development anywhere, he said, after inaugurating projects worth ₹7,300 crore and meeting internally displaced people.
On his return from the hill district, Mr. Modi addressed a gathering at Kangla Fort in Imphal city, just 61 km away from Churachandpur. He inaugurated projects worth ₹1,200 crore at Imphal.
Incessant rain forced last minute changes in the Prime Minister’s schedule and security arrangements. Though he was originally slated to travel by chopper directly from Aizawl to Churachandpur before flying to Imphal, Mr. Modi was forced to travel by road from the State capital. The planned roadshow in Churachandpur had to be curtailed but local residents and school children were moved to another part of the town where they waved tricolours as the convoy passed.
Buffer zones guarded by central security forces have been carved out between the State’s Meitei and Kuki-Zo dominated areas. Travelling through one such buffer zone between Bishnupur and Churachandpur,, Mr. Modi’s motorcade crossed a damaged bridge that was blown up by miscreants in 2023 and several homes and properties that were burnt during the conflict.
“Manipur is a land of hope and promise. Unfortunately, violence had gripped this magnificent area. A little while ago, I met the affected people who are living in camps. After speaking with them, I can say that a new dawn of hope and confidence is awaiting Manipur,” Mr. Modi said in Churachandpur.
He said the Union government would continue to cooperate with the State government to help resettle displaced people in appropriate locations as soon as possible, and to establish peace.