CHURACHANDPUR/IMPHAL:Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence in the state in May 2013 received mixed responses from various organizations of the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, as well as political parties.
During his visit to Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed two gatherings in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur and Meitei-majority Imphal. He laid the foundation stones for projects worth ₹7,300 crore and inaugurated projects valued at ₹1,200 crore.
Narendra Modi assured all possible support to nearly 60,000 people displaced by the violence to help rebuild their lives and appealed to all parties and communities to stay away from violence to bring peace, development, and prosperity to the state. He emphasized living a peaceful and better life.
Senior BJP leader and former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed optimism about the visit, saying it would promote peace and development in the state. He noted that the massive turnout in both Churachandpur and Imphal reflected the people’s affection for the Prime Minister.
“Given the circumstances during the Manipur crisis, the PM could not visit earlier, but his arrival now is very timely,” he added.
On the other hand, Congress legislative party leader and former CM Okram Ibobi Singh told reporters that the public remains unsatisfied with Modi’s address.
“While it is commendable that certain projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid, many people—particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs)—are disappointed. His long-awaited visit did not provide any concrete assurances regarding the return of IDPs to their homes,” he said.
The President of the All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO), a leading Meitei civil body, told HT that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Manipur fell short of expectations and could not be considered significant in terms of restoring peace amid the ongoing crisis.
He criticized that the PM’s visit did not address the concerns of the people of Manipur, particularly the Meitei community, who have long demanded free movement—a matter ignored in Modi’s speech. “Inaugurating projects or laying foundation stones is a routine responsibility of any government, whether Modi or someone else is in power. It seems the PM did not come with a genuine intent to bring peace to Manipur,” he said.
In contrast, the Kuki-Zo communities described the visit as historic and used the occasion to reiterate their demand for a separate administrative setup. The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) submitted a memorandum on this issue to the Prime Minister in Churachandpur.
The memorandum stated, “For years, we have consistently called for complete separation from Manipur, seeking a separate administration as a Union Territory with a legislature under Article 239A of the Indian Constitution. This demand is driven not by convenience, but by the urgent need for peace, security, and the survival of our community. We strongly urge the government to accelerate political dialogue to reach a lasting solution as soon as possible.”
The projects inaugurated or whose foundation stones were laid by the Prime Minister also drew mixed reactions.
“The allocation for the Kuki-Zo community is extremely low—mere peanuts compared to the funds for the Meitei and Naga communities,” said a spokesperson for the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC).
Speaking to HT, a visitor attending the Imphal event expressed his disappointment, saying, “We hoped the PM’s visit would bring peace to Manipur and enable displaced persons to return home. If the visit fails to ensure peace, people might consider boycotting him during his next visit to the state.”
PM Modi Visits Manipur Amid Ethnic Tensions
For the first time since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in 2023 between the Kuki and Meitei communities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the state on Saturday, September 13. Upon his arrival in Churachandpur, he engaged with local residents who welcomed him with traditional Zomie and Thadou Kuki shawls. A young girl also presented him with a hand-drawn portrait as a gift.