Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Manipur for the first time since ethnic violence erupted in 2023, reassuring displaced families that the Centre stood firmly with the people of the state. He appealed to all groups to embrace peace and said his government was determined to make Manipur a symbol of peace and prosperity.

On reaching Imphal, the Prime Minister travelled by road to Churachandpur as heavy rains grounded his helicopter. He laid the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore, including urban road and drainage upgrades, five National Highway projects, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project and working women’s hostels across nine locations.

Modi also met families displaced by the violence. “I would urge all organisations to go ahead on the way of peace and realise their aspirations. Today, I assure you that I am with you, the Government of India is with you, the people of Manipur,” he said, announcing 7,000 new homes for affected families.

Addressing a public gathering, he remarked, “The soil of Manipur is the soil of bravery and valour. Any act of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. Violence is a great injustice not just to our elders but also to our future generations. We cannot let the identity of Manipur’s youth be covered by the dark veil of violence.”

Highlighting the state’s cultural and sporting importance, he added, “Indian culture is not complete without Manipuri culture, and Indian sports are not complete without the sportsmen of Manipur. The Manipuri youth give their all to the tricolour’s honour.”

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Deepak Chingakham, a Manipuri soldier martyred in Operation Sindoor, and saluted the courage of Manipuri youth serving in the armed forces. He also dedicated four new women’s markets, recognising the contribution of women to the economy through the Ima Keithel markets.

“Manipur is the jewel placed on the crown of Mother India,” he said, stressing that peace was essential for development. He noted that nearly Rs 7,000 crore worth of initiatives were underway to boost infrastructure, especially in tribal hill regions, and reaffirmed the Centre’s focus on strengthening road, rail and air connectivity.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla acknowledged the challenges of the past two years but pointed to progress. “There has been a remarkable improvement in the law and order situation, with no major violent incidents. This reflects the joint efforts of the security forces of both the state and the Centre,” he said, urging reconciliation and trust-building.

The visit drew sharp political reactions. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Pappu Yadav criticised it as symbolic and delayed. Kharge called it a “farce” and accused the government of abandoning Manipur during two years of unrest. Local groups, including the youth wings of Congress and the Manipur People’s Party, staged protests outside Kangla Fort in Imphal, calling the visit a “political ploy.”

Following his Manipur engagements, Modi travelled to Mizoram, where he inaugurated the state’s first railway line — the Rs 8,070 crore Bairabi-Sairang project — and flagged off the Sairang-Delhi Rajdhani Express. He launched projects worth over Rs 9,000 crore, including highways, an LPG bottling plant and new schools. “Today onwards, Aizawl will be a part of India’s railway map,” he declared, calling it a historic day for the Northeast.

Despite heavy rains, large crowds welcomed the Prime Minister in both states. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said Modi had shown “deep affection for Manipur” by travelling 1.5 hours by road to reach Churachandpur.