Imphal: Preparations are in full swing in Manipur ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to the state on September 13.
The prime minister’s proposed visit would be his first to the state since ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kukis broke out in May 2023.
PM Modi is expected to arrive on September 13 and will address two public gatherings: one at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and another at Imphal’s historic Kangla Fort.
“A grand stage is under construction at Kangla Fort in Imphal. Arrangements are being made to accommodate more than 15,000 people in front of the stage. Cleaning and painting activities inside the fort are also going on,” an official said.
Upon his arrival in Churachandpur by helicopter, following the inauguration of the Bairabi–Sairang railway line in Mizoram, Prime Minister Modi will attend a public gathering.
Preparations for the event at Peace Ground include a large stage and seating for approximately 9,000 people. Officials have declared the area a “no-drone zone” and deployed multiple layers of security. Additionally, civil society organizations in the district plan to submit memorandums directly to the Prime Minister.
After his address in Churachandpur and a brief interaction with internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to Imphal, where he will address nearly 15,000 people at Kangla Fort.
Preparations are also underway at Kangla Fort. The construction materials are being brought in, and over 100 labourers are working at the site. Security has been significantly increased, and all visitors to the fort are being registered.
The helipad adjacent to the stage has been renovated, while the iconic Kangla Sha area has been declared strictly off-limits. Round-the-clock security checks, metal detectors, and strict frisking are in place at the entry gates.
Along the route between Imphal airport and Kangla Fort, covering nearly seven kilometres, road medians are being repainted and trees trimmed, the official added. Similar works are also being carried out at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur district headquarters.
Imphal International Airport has issued fresh travel advisory, urging passengers to arrive well in advance due to the heightened security measures. Security has been significantly strengthened around the airport premises, with additional police deployment and restricted access points.
Opposition parties, however, have criticised the Prime Minister for not visiting the strife-torn state, especially as the violence has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced thousands.
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Following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the Centre imposed President’s rule in Manipur. The state assembly, whose tenure extends until 2027, is under suspended animation.
