Churachandpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to all groups in Manipur to shun violence and embrace peace, stating that it is the only way to “secure the future of their children.”
The Prime Minister, during his visit to Manipur on Saturday, also assured all help and support from the Centre to bring back peace in Manipur, which has been hit by ethnic violence since May 2023.
This was Modi’s first visit to the state since the 2023 ethnic clashes that killed more than 200 people and displaced thousands.
Addressing a programme during the launch of development initiatives in Churachandpur, PM Modi said, “Manipur is the land of hope and aspirations. But unfortunately, it had been gripped by violence. I see a new dawn of hope and confidence for the state in the coming days.”
Modi said peace was essential for development and pointed to successful negotiations with groups in the hills and valleys in recent months. “I appeal to all organisations to move forward on the path of peace and fulfil their dreams. I promise you that I am with you; the Government of India is with you, the people of Manipur,” he said.
“Manipur (the Land of Jewels) has a jewel in its name itself. In the coming days, the glow of this jewel will brighten the entire northeast,” he added.
Stressing peace, prosperity and progress in Manipur, Modi assured proper resettlement of the nearly 60,000 people displaced by conflict and bringing lasting peace to the state.
Modi laid foundation stones for projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur district.
Among these projects were Manipur urban roads, drainage and asset management improvement initiative worth Rs 3,647 crore and the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project worth Rs 550 crore. He also laid the foundation for nine working women’s hostels worth Rs 142 crore, and super-speciality and healthcare facilities to be developed at Rs 105 crore.
Modi laid the foundation stones for infrastructure development in and around Polo Ground at Rs 30 crore, and the strengthening of facilities of 120 schools at a cost of Rs 134 crore in all 16 districts.
Various projects pertaining to rural connectivity, education and tourism in parts of Manipur with a total value of Rs 102 crore were also included on the list of initiatives for which the foundation stones were laid.
Construction of a multipurpose indoor stadium worth Rs 36 crore at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal, and upgradation of NH 102 A in Tengnoupal sections worth Rs 502 crore, were also on the list.
Highlighting his government’s efforts to improve connectivity in the border state, PM said, “Since 2014, we have continuously increased budgets for roads and railways in Manipur. In recent years, Rs 3,700 crore has been spent on National Highways, and Rs 8,700 crore is being used for new highways.”
Modi added that the Rs 22,000-crore Jiribam–Imphal railway line would soon connect the state capital to the national network, while the new Rs 400-crore Imphal airport was “giving new heights to air connectivity.”
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The Prime Minister also announced a special package of Rs 3,000 crore for Manipur, including Rs 500 crore to support those displaced by the violence. He said the government was helping to build 7,000 new houses for families who lost their homes and assured that resettlement in suitable locations would be prioritised.
