For the first time since 2023, when violence broke out in Manipur between ethnic communities of Kuki and Meitei, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the restive state on Saturday, September 13. As the Prime Minister arrived in Churachandpur, he interacted with locals who presented him with the traditional Zomie shawl and Thadou Kuki shawl. A girl child also gifted PM Modi a portrait of him.

After inaugurating the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line in Mizoram, PM Modi flagged off three new express trains, Sairang (Aizawl)-Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express, Sairang-Guwahati Express, and Sairang-Kolkata Express in Aizawl. He then laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur.

The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others.

Addressing the people of Churachandpur, PM Modi said, “The land of Manipur is the land of courage and bravery… I want to salute the passion of the people of Manipur. All of you came here despite the heavy rain. I want to thank you for your love. Due to heavy rains, my helicopter could not come, so I decided to come via road. The scenes I saw on the road, I thank the Almighty that my helicopter did not work today. The way I saw the youth and elderly people of Manipur carrying Tiranga in their hands, I can never forget this moment in my life…”

The Prime Minister further added, “The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence had cast its shadow on this beautiful region. A short while ago, I met those affected who are living in relief camps. After meeting them, I can say with confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is rising in Manipur.”