PM pushes to bridge ethnic divide in strife-torn Manipur

Peace is essential for development and the government is making every effort to restore normalcy in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday as he attempted to provide a healing touch to the strife-torn state where at least 260 people have died since 2023.

- Utpal Parashar and Thomas Ngangom

In his first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out 28 months ago, Modi attempted a balancing act between the warring Meitei and the Kuki-Zo communities who have shut each other out from areas dominated by them since clashes began in May 2023, and appealed to them to shun violence and build bridges for peace, progress and prosperity.

He also inaugurated or laid the foundation stones of projects worth ₹8,500 crore and offered his best wishes to Nepal's new interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki.

“Manipur is a land of hope and aspirations. But unfortunately violence had gripped this beautiful place. I have met those displaced by the violence and are staying in camps. After that interaction, I can say that a new dawn of hope and confidence is rising in Manipur,” Modi said at the Peace Ground in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur in the first of his two engagements for the day in the state.

"I urge all organisations to move forward on the path of peace, fulfil their dreams, and secure the future of their children.

Today, I assure you that I am with you, the government of Bharat is with you, and with the people of Manipur. The government of Bharat is making every possible effort to restore normalcy in Manipur," he added.

Modi travelled to Churachandpur from Imphal, a distance of 61km, by road after inclement weather prevented his helicopter from taking off. The highway his convoy took was in the news a few months ago when a state government effort to start a bus service stoked large-scale violence.

"My helicopter couldn't arrive due to the heavy rain, so I decided to travel by road. And the scenes I saw on the road today, my heart says that God did well that my helicopter didn't fly today. I came by road, and I saw the love and affection shown by everyone, from young to old, holding the Tricolour on the way. I can never forget this moment in my life," Modi said.