Is PM Modi Set to Visit Manipur Soon?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's visit could be pivotal for peace in Manipur.
- Governor Bhalla is engaging with top BJP leaders to strategize.
- Security measures are heightened in anticipation of the visit.
- The visit marks a significant moment following ethnic violence.
- Local beautification efforts are underway in Imphal.
Imphal, Sep 7 (NationPress) - On Sunday, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a meeting at the Raj Bhavan with senior leaders from the BJP, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as well as key civil and security officials. The agenda was centered around the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state on September 13.
In attendance were Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar.
Despite the significant gathering, details of the discussions held during the meeting at Raj Bhavan remained undisclosed.
A prominent BJP leader from the state confirmed that the Prime Minister is expected to visit Manipur, where he will address a public gathering at Kangla Fort in Imphal.
Additionally, PM Modi is likely to explore the tribal-inhabited district of Churachandpur, although his itinerary for that area is still under consideration.
“While PM Modi’s visit to Manipur hasn’t been officially confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), it has been tentatively indicated that he will visit Imphal and Churachandpur during his brief stopover,” the BJP leader informed IANS on condition of anonymity.
Also present at the meeting were Manipur BJP President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and the Speaker of the State Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata Singh.
Recent reports suggest that the Prime Minister's visit on September 13 will mark his first trip to Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023.
Moreover, it has been reported that the Prime Minister will also stop in the capital of Mizoram, Aizawl, to inaugurate the newly built 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway project before visiting two locations in Manipur.
A grand stage is being constructed at Kangla Fort in the center of Imphal, and beautification efforts are ongoing in the Imphal West district.
Meanwhile, the administration of Churachandpur has prohibited the use of aerial devices such as drones and balloons throughout the district. Dharun Kumar S, the District Magistrate, issued an order on September 4, declaring the entire hill district a ‘No Drone Zone’ area.
The District Magistrate explained that due to the impending visit of a VVIP, enhanced security measures are being implemented.
“To bolster security, restrictions on aerial photography and videography using drones and balloons are necessary, as they could pose a potential risk to public order; hence, immediate action is warranted,” the order read.
Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated that the Prime Minister is expected to be in Assam for two days on September 13-14. This visit revolves around the centenary celebrations of cultural luminary and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, with official festivities kicking off in Guwahati.
Following prolonged ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, just days after N. Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister.
The 60-member Manipur Assembly, now under suspended animation due to President's Rule, has a term that extends until 2027.