Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, delivering a message of reconciliation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities during a rally in Imphal on Saturday.
PM Modi in Manipur calls for peace
Addressing the conflict that has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands, PM Modi appealed for harmony between the valley-dwelling Meiteis and hill-residing Kuki-Zo communities. His visit included stops in both Kuki-Zo-dominated Churachandpur and Meitei-majority Imphal Valley, symbolically bridging the divided regions.
“Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. Therefore, we have to take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development and we have to do it together,” PM Modi stated during the Imphal rally.
#WATCH | Imphal, Manipur: PM Narendra Modi says, "Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. Therefore, we have to take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development and we have to do it… pic.twitter.com/ATQtkA6ZEe
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025
The Prime Minister emphasized that “inclusive development and mutual respect are essential for moving forward together,” while stressing the need to “build a bridge of harmony between the hills and the valley.”
Violence Background erupted in Manipur
The ethnic conflict began in May 2023 when the Kuki-Zo community protested against a Manipur High Court order directing the then-Biren Singh government to consider including Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list. This judicial directive triggered widespread violence that has persisted for over two years, fundamentally altering the state’s social fabric.
PM Modi launches Rs1200 cr projects in Manipur
During his visit, PM Modi launched development projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal, positioning economic growth as central to the region’s recovery. He declared that “this century belongs to the North East and the East,” highlighting his government’s strategic focus on regional development.
The Prime Minister noted Manipur’s economic transformation, stating the state “grew at less than one percent before 2014” but has since “witnessed rapid progress in recent years.” He announced that “a new era of infrastructure development has begun in the state.”
#WATCH | Imphal, Manipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates multiple development projects worth more than Rs 1,200 crore at Imphal.
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025
They include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri; IT SEZ Building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri; Manipur Bhawans at Delhi… pic.twitter.com/6hK80KNooz
Modi’s carefully orchestrated visit, balancing time between both communities’ strongholds, represents a significant political gesture aimed at demonstrating federal commitment to restoring peace. The emphasis on joint development and shared prosperity reflects the government’s strategy of using economic incentives to bridge ethnic divides.
The visit’s timing and messaging suggest recognition of the conflict’s prolonged nature and the need for sustained political intervention to achieve lasting reconciliation.
