By Manisha Sahu| September 12, 2025
Imphal, India — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the northeastern state of Manipur on Saturday, September 13, marking his first trip to the region since deadly ethnic clashes erupted over two years ago. The visit is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, amid heightened political scrutiny and ongoing tension in the violence-scarred state.
Modi’s upcoming visit—his first since the Kuki-Meitei conflict broke out in May 2023—comes after months of criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who have accused the Prime Minister of neglecting the humanitarian crisis that has left over 260 people dead and displaced thousands.
A Long-Awaited Visit
Manipur’s Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel confirmed the visit in a press briefing in Imphal on Thursday, stating that the Prime Minister’s presence in the state will “pave the way for peace, normalcy, and growth.”
The Prime Minister will visit two key regions—Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority town that has seen some of the worst violence, and Imphal, the state capital and a Meitei-majority area. The trip is also expected to include the inauguration and foundation-laying of development projects worth over ₹8,500 crore (approximately $1 billion).
Modi will also travel to neighboring Mizoram during the day to inaugurate the Bairabi–Sairang railway line, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity in India’s northeast.
Development Projects in Divided Communities
In Churachandpur, Modi will lay the foundation stone for infrastructure and development projects worth ₹7,300 crore (roughly $875 million), addressing long-standing demands for better connectivity, healthcare, and education in tribal areas.
Meanwhile, in Imphal, the Prime Minister is set to inaugurate projects worth ₹1,200 crore (around $144 million), including urban development schemes and road networks.
The contrasting venues reflect the deep-rooted ethnic divide that has defined the state’s ongoing crisis. The Kuki and Meitei communities, which have historically had strained relations, clashed violently in 2023 over land rights, political representation, and administrative autonomy. The violence led to the imposition of curfews, internet blackouts, and a massive internal displacement of civilians.
Heightened Security and Public Restrictions
In preparation for the high-profile visit, the Manipur government has significantly increased security in both Churachandpur and Imphal, deploying central paramilitary forces and local police to prevent any untoward incidents. The government also issued a strict advisory to the public attending the “VVIP programme,” banning items such as keys, pens, water bottles, umbrellas, and even handkerchiefs.
A separate advisory instructed attendees not to bring children under the age of 12 or unwell individuals to the events.
In a preemptive move, air guns have also been banned in Churachandpur district, highlighting the tense security situation.
Large billboards announcing the Prime Minister’s schedule have already been erected at Peace Ground in Churachandpur and Kangla Fort in Imphal, symbolizing both the promise of development and the weight of public expectation.
Political Reactions: Support and Skepticism
The opposition has been quick to respond to the announcement. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in India’s Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament), welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to finally visit Manipur. Speaking from Gujarat, Gandhi said, “The issue in Manipur has been ongoing for a long time. It is good that he is going there now.”
However, other opposition leaders were less conciliatory. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in-Charge of Communications, criticized the brevity of Modi’s planned visit, suggesting it amounted to a “non-visit.”
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh wrote:
“It appears that he will be spending just about 3 hours—yes, just 3 hours—in the state. What does he hope to accomplish by such a rushed trip? This is actually an insult to the people of the state who have waited for him for 29 long and agonising months.”
Ramesh’s comments reflect broader concerns that Modi’s visit, while symbolically significant, may fall short of delivering tangible solutions to the ethnic and humanitarian crisis in Manipur.
The Road Ahead
While the Prime Minister’s visit may signal a renewed focus on Manipur from the central government, experts caution that deep-seated ethnic grievances and trust deficits remain. Local leaders from both the Kuki and Meitei communities have repeatedly called for greater autonomy, justice for victims, and a long-term political resolution.
Observers say Modi’s visit could help catalyze a more sustained peace-building process—if followed up with consistent engagement, inclusive dialogue, and genuine efforts to rebuild trust.
For now, the people of Manipur are watching closely, hoping that the visit marks not just a symbolic gesture, but the beginning of real change.
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