What major projects is PM Modi unveiling in Manipur tomorrow?

Imphal, Sep 12 (NationPress) In a significant move aimed at promoting peace and development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch 31 initiatives valued at Rs 8,500 crore in Manipur, a region grappling with ethnic unrest since May 2023, this Saturday.

Manipur's Chief Secretary, Puneet Kumar Goel, announced on Friday that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stones for various development projects totaling Rs 7,300 crore at Peace Ground in Churachandpur, while also inaugurating infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,200 crore at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will engage with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by violence, both in Imphal and Churachandpur, as stated by Goel.

The Imphal valley region is predominantly inhabited by non-tribal Meiteis, while Churachandpur is home to the Kuki-Zo tribal community, which borders Mizoram and Myanmar.

On the second day of his visit, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the leading body representing the Kuki-Zo community, expressed enthusiasm for the Prime Minister’s arrival, anticipating it will mark a new era of hope, recognition, and significant interaction for their community.

KZC Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, urged all societal factions to cooperate and come together to make this visit a historic occasion, encouraging citizens to dress in vibrant traditional attire to welcome the Prime Minister and celebrate the cultural unity and resilience of the Kuki-Zo people.

Manipur Chief Secretary Goel detailed that upon arriving in Churachandpur from Aizawl, the Prime Minister will first meet with the IDPs currently residing in relief camps due to the ongoing ethnic violence.

The Prime Minister will also lay the groundwork for various infrastructural projects to be implemented throughout the state at the Peace Ground event, where he will address the gathered public.

After his engagements in Churachandpur, the Prime Minister will travel to Kangla Fort in Imphal for further interactions with the IDPs and will inaugurate development projects both within and beyond the state.

Goel emphasized that these initiatives highlight the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to Manipur’s development and welfare.

He commended the residents of Manipur, from both the hills and valleys, for their concerted efforts to foster peace and stability within the state, asserting that Manipur is a vital component of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia while showcasing India’s rich diversity.

According to Goel, the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to facilitate the restoration of peace, normalcy, and accelerate developmental growth in the region.

BJP’s Northeast in-charge and Lok Sabha member Sambit Patra, along with other party leaders, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, characterized the Prime Minister’s visit as part of the 'Viksit Bharat, Viksit Manipur' initiative, highlighting the importance of the projects being inaugurated.

Patra, who arrived in Imphal on September 10 with BJP’s Manipur in-charge Ajeet Gopchade, conducted several meetings with party MLAs and leaders to ensure the success of the Prime Minister’s program. He encouraged the public to participate actively to make the visit a grand success under the motto ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’.

In contrast, the Opposition Congress has criticized the Prime Minister’s visit as 'meaningless.' State Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh stated that the Prime Minister's trip is merely symbolic, as the affected population, enduring months of hardship, seeks a tangible roadmap for peace, rehabilitation, and justice. Singh lamented that the BJP has yet to provide anything more than empty promises, leaving Manipur’s citizens in dismay.

In light of the current situation and the Prime Minister’s visit, security measures have been heightened across Imphal East, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and neighboring districts.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla previously convened a meeting with five MLAs from the Kuki-Zo communities in Churachandpur to discuss the Prime Minister's visit. On September 7, he met with BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley region, including former Chief Minister and BJP’s state President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi. Chief Secretary Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar were also present at the September 7 meeting in Raj Bhavan.

Prior to the Prime Minister’s visit, Lieutenant General Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps, conducted a thorough review of the security situation in Churachandpur and other districts as part of a broader assessment across Manipur.

The defence spokesman reported that Lt Gen Pendharkar engaged with personnel from various security agencies, including the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police, and additional forces stationed throughout Manipur.

Following a prolonged period of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, just four days after N. Biren Singh resigned from the Chief Minister’s position. The 60-member Manipur Assembly has been placed under suspended animation, with a tenure lasting until 2027.