What Major Projects Will PM Modi Announce in Manipur Today?

Imphal, Sep 13 (NationPress) In an effort to promote peace and development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch 31 initiatives totaling Rs 8,500 crore in Manipur, a region grappling with ethnic turmoil since May 2023. Manipur's Chief Secretary, Puneet Kumar Goel, indicated that the Prime Minister will engage with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the violence and will hold public addresses in both Imphal and Churachandpur.

In light of the current conditions in Manipur and the PM's upcoming visit, significant security measures have been put in place across Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and other areas, according to senior police officials.

Lieutenant General Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of the Spear Corps, conducted a thorough assessment of the security situation in Churachandpur and surrounding districts, focusing on the preparedness of the military in areas close to the India-Myanmar border.

Chief Secretary Goel mentioned that the Prime Minister will lay foundation stones for multiple development initiatives worth Rs 7,300 crore at the Peace Ground in Churachandpur and will also inaugurate infrastructure projects valued at Rs 1,200 crore from the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal.

In a significant sign of support, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community, has warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s visit, expressing hope that it will herald a new era of recognition and engagement for their community.

The KZC called upon all societal sectors to come together and show their support during the Prime Minister's visit, encouraging everyone to dress in vibrant traditional costumes to celebrate the rich culture and unity of the Kuki-Zo people.

Upon his arrival in Churachandpur from Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, the Prime Minister will first connect with the violence-affected IDPs residing in relief camps since the outbreak of ethnic unrest in May 2023.

The PM will lay the groundwork for various infrastructure projects during an event at the Peace Ground and will also address the public there.

Following this, he will travel to Kangla Fort in Imphal to again interact with the IDPs and inaugurate developmental projects both within and outside of Manipur, also addressing the crowd at Kangla Fort.

Chief Secretary Goel emphasized that these initiatives reflect the Prime Minister’s ongoing commitment to improving the welfare and development of Manipur. He praised the local population for their efforts in restoring peace and stability, stating that Manipur is not merely a border state but a critical element of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and a gateway to Southeast Asia.

According to Goel, the visit aims to restore peace and normalcy while accelerating developmental growth.

BJP’s Northeast in-charge and Lok Sabha member Sambit Patra, along with other leaders, characterized the PM's trip to Manipur as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Manipur’ initiative and highlighted the projects set to be inaugurated. Patra, along with BJP’s Manipur in-charge and Rajya Sabha member Ajeet Gopchade, arrived in Imphal on September 10 to ensure the success of the Prime Minister’s program.

He urged the public to actively participate and support the Prime Minister’s visit, promoting the motto ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’.

Conversely, the Opposition Congress criticized the Prime Minister’s trip as ‘symbolic’, with State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh asserting that the people of Manipur, who have endured hardship for months, deserve a tangible plan for peace, rehabilitation, and justice, rather than mere rhetoric.