New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Manipur in September, where he is likely to announce a slew of development projects. This will be the PM’s first visit to the state in 28 months since ethnic violence erupted there.
According to sources, officials in Manipur have been asked to make necessary security arrangements for the visit. Modi is expected to visit capital Imphal and Churachandpur.
Clashes between the valley-based Meiteis and hill-based Kuki Zos began on March 3, 2023, following a High Court observation regarding reservations. Nearly 250 people have died in the clashes so far and thousands were rendered homeless. Many of them are still living in makeshift camps, too scared to go back to their villages.
The BJP government in the state under N Biren Singh was accused of failing to tackle the situation. In February this year, the Assembly was dissolved and President’s Rule imposed in the state. The situation has improved since then with security forces getting a free hand to curb violence.
On July 30, Union minister of state for home Nityanand Rai told the Lok Sabha that no deaths due to violence have been reported from Manipur in the last four months. He said only one person was killed in an incident in the past eight months.
Modi’s Manipur visit is likely to be clubbed with his tour of Mizoram and Assam, scheduled between September 12 and 14. The PM is expected to inaugurate key infrastructure projects in those two states.
During his visit to Manipur, the PM is also likely to meet victims of the ethnic clashes, including those living in camps.
The Congress and other Opposition parties have been targetting Modi for not visiting the strife-ridden state. In one of his latest posts, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said: “Even as the PM jets off abroad, the long-suffering people of Manipur are still awaiting his visit there to heal the wounds of May 2023.”
“But the PM simply and stubbornly refuses to engage with the state, its political parties and leaders, civil society organisations, and the people themselves. He has simply washed his hands off Manipur – which stands as a tragic testimony to the blundering of the Union Home Minister,” he added.