Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Sunday, 14 June credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for what he described as transformative progress in Manipur over the past 12 years, citing advances in infrastructure, healthcare, education, sports, connectivity, and social welfare. Speaking at a press conference held at the Durbar Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Imphal, Singh was addressing media in connection with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's celebration of '12 Years of Trust, Progress and Welfare.'

Key Achievements Highlighted by the Chief Minister

Singh pointed to several landmark developments he attributed to the Centre's focus on Manipur. The National Sports University — the first of its kind in India — was established in the state under Modi's tenure, recognising Manipur's deep sporting tradition and the talent of its athletes.

The Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, a long-standing demand of the people of Manipur, was formally implemented on 9 December 2019 by the NDA government. Singh called it a fulfilment of a cherished aspiration of the state's residents.

The commissioning of INS Imphal — described as the largest and most advanced stealth guided missile destroyer in the Indian Navy — was cited as a moment of pride for Manipur. Additionally, a medical college was established in the hill district of Churachandpur, marking the first time such an institution has come up in Manipur's hill regions.

Connectivity and Infrastructure Push

The 111-km Jiribam-Tupul-Imphal railway project is targeted for completion by 2028, according to Singh. Once operational, it will connect Imphal directly to the national railway network — a development the Chief Minister described as a major economic catalyst for the state.

Construction of a new integrated terminal building at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal is also progressing and is expected to be completed soon, he added.

What Other Ministers Said

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who belongs to the Naga People's Front (NPF), said India had achieved its target of reducing emissions intensity by 33–35 per cent from 2005 levels — a goal met 11 years ahead of schedule — with the actual reduction already exceeding 36 per cent.

Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh said border fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border is being undertaken on a war footing to strengthen security and improve border management.

Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, a member of the National People's Party (NPP), noted that the Government of India renamed Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur in October 2021, in recognition of the sacrifices made by Manipuri freedom fighters during the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891.

Both the NPF and the NPP are coalition allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur. The briefing was also attended by MLAs Tongbram Robindro Singh, S. Premchandra Singh, and Thongam Shanti Singh.

Political Context

The press conference was framed as part of a nationwide BJP-led effort to mark 12 years of the Modi government, with state-level leaders across the country holding similar events. Singh also noted that Modi has become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India to date — a claim that reflects the BJP's broader electoral messaging ahead of future political cycles.

With the Jiribam-Imphal rail link still years away and Manipur continuing to navigate an ongoing internal security situation, the gap between announced milestones and ground-level conditions is likely to remain a point of scrutiny for the opposition and civil society.