Imphal, Sep 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that the Union government is making continuous efforts for the advancement of Manipur, as the concept of 'Viksit Bharat' will be further strengthened by a 'Viksit Manipur'.

During the inauguration of 17 infrastructure projects with an investment of Rs 1,200 crore from the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, the Prime Minister remarked that any form of violence in Manipur is regrettable, given its rich and historic legacy of resisting injustice.

“To navigate through the current challenges, a unified approach is crucial for propelling Manipur’s growth and prosperity,” PM Modi emphasized, noting that a new phase of development commenced in the state over the past 11 years, especially as the region saw limited growth before 2014.

While not directly addressing the conflicts between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, he highlighted the necessity of establishing a connection between Imphal’s valley region and its hilly areas.

Speaking about the newly inaugurated Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri in Imphal West district, he mentioned that enhanced services would be available to the citizens from this new facility.

For the convenience of the people of Manipur traveling to Delhi and Kolkata for various activities, state Bhavans were inaugurated in New Delhi and Kolkata, as PM Modi announced the virtual opening of these two buildings, built at a total expense of Rs 206 crore.

With the launch of 17 infrastructure projects, he assured that Manipur's development would receive a significant boost, leading to increased employment opportunities.

PM Modi shared that several initiatives have been undertaken to address the persistent flooding issues in the state and assured the public gathering that his government has always been attentive to the unique challenges faced by Manipur.

Highlighting the pioneering role of women in Manipur, the Prime Minister announced the inauguration of four 'Ima Markets' (all women-managed markets) in locations such as Tengnoupal, Noney, Pallel, and Moirang.

These markets will greatly benefit women, PM Modi added, while also mentioning the recent GST reforms set to take effect on September 22, which are designed to benefit women and the general populace.

He explained that these reforms would reduce the costs of cement and construction materials, while also lowering the GST on most hotels to just five percent, making travel, accommodation, and dining more affordable.

This change is expected to encourage more people to explore and enjoy various regions of the country, particularly benefiting tourist destinations like the Northeast.

PM Modi reminded the audience that the Indian National Army, led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, first raised the Indian tricolor in Manipur's Moirang.

In honoring Manipur's valiant freedom fighters, he also mentioned that Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been renamed 'Mount Manipur'.

Regarding the rich cultural heritage of the state, he noted that without Manipuri culture and sports, India's cultural tapestry would be incomplete.

Given the significant contributions of Manipuri athletes, the state has been chosen for the establishment of the National Sports University, with PM Modi asserting that India is on track to become a global sports powerhouse, thanks to the vital role of Manipuri sportsmen and women.

Among the 17 projects inaugurated in Imphal were the Manipur Bhawan located in New Delhi’s Dwarka and Salt Lake city in Kolkata, the Civil Secretariat, the new Police Headquarters, and the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) building at Mantripukhri in Imphal West district, along with the Ima Markets at four locations (Tengnoupal, Noney, Pallel, Moirang).

Additionally, he inaugurated the development of the Western River Front of the Imphal River Phase-II, the construction of a four-lane bridge over the Irang River on Imphal-Jiribam National Highway-38 in Noney district, and the Eklavya Model Residential School at Tokpa village, as part of the Loktak Project in Churachandpur district.

From Imphal, the Prime Minister proceeded to Guwahati to participate in the birth centenary celebrations of the cultural icon and Bharat Ratna recipient Bhupen Hazarika.