Will PM Modi Visit Manipur Soon? Governor Engages with Kuki-Zo MLAs
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Synopsis
In a significant development, Manipur's Governor meets Kuki-Zo MLAs ahead of PM Modi's anticipated visit on September 13. This meeting raises political tensions as Congress criticizes the Governor's selective approach, highlighting the ongoing crisis in the region. What implications does this have for the state's future?
Key Takeaways
- Governor holds talks with Kuki-Zo MLAs.
- PM Modi's potential visit on September 13.
- Congress criticizes exclusive meetings.
- Security measures implemented in Churachandpur.
- Political tensions rise ahead of visit.
Imphal, Sep 9 (NationPress) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a meeting on Tuesday with five MLAs representing the Kuki-Zo communities to discuss the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur on September 13, as confirmed by officials.
A police representative verified that the meeting took place in Churachandpur and highlighted that discussions revolved around the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit and the essential preparations required in the district. However, civil and police officials withheld specific details about the meeting.
Reportedly, the Governor engaged with MLAs Ngursanglur Sanate, Vungzagin Valte, L Haokip, L.M. Khaute, and Paolienlal Haokip, alongside BJP's Churachandpur district president Thanglam Haokip, at the office of the district Deputy Commissioner.
The legislators from the Kuki-Zo community hail from the Assembly constituencies located in the Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, which are predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo tribal population.
Earlier on Sunday, Bhalla also met with BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley, which included former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and BJP state unit President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, along with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Security Advisor, and Home Commissioner.
The opposition party, Congress, has heavily criticized the Manipur Governor for prioritizing meetings with senior BJP leaders and MLAs in relation to the Prime Minister's potential visit on September 13.
Okram Ibobi Singh, a former three-term Chief Minister and leader of the Congress Legislature Party, condemned the Governor for meeting exclusively with BJP MLAs ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, labeling it a significant degradation of the constitutional office's integrity.
Singh, accompanied by fellow party leaders, asserted that the selective invitation undermines democratic values and diminishes the representation of the electorate's voices.
“The meeting represents a ‘shocking display of partisanship’, and we insist that all MLAs participate in discussions about the ongoing crisis, irrespective of their party affiliations. Excluding opposition MLAs from these discussions is an insult to the people of Manipur,” Singh conveyed to the press.
Officials and BJP leaders indicated that PM Modi’s visit to Manipur is not yet officially confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). However, recent reports suggest that the Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Manipur on September 13, marking his first visit since the ethnic violence erupted between the Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023.
Sources reveal that the Prime Minister will also visit Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, to inaugurate the newly built 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway project, and from Aizawl, he will travel to two locations in Manipur: Imphal and Churachandpur.
A grand stage is currently under construction at Kangla Fort in the heart of Imphal, and beautification efforts are in progress in the surrounding areas of Imphal West district.
In the meantime, the Churachandpur district administration has restricted the use of aerial devices such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and other flying objects throughout the district in preparation for the anticipated “VVIP visit”.
The District Magistrate, Dharun Kumar S, issued an order on September 4, designating the entire hill district as a ‘No Drone Zone’ area.
Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma mentioned that the Prime Minister is expected to embark on a two-day visit to Assam from September 13-14. PM Modi's visit will focus on the birth centenary celebrations of cultural icon and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, with inauguration of the official celebrations taking place on September 13 in Guwahati.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the complexities surrounding Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's meetings with Kuki-Zo MLAs. The political dynamics in Manipur are intricate, and while the Governor's actions may be seen as partisan, they highlight the urgent need for inclusive dialogue in addressing the ongoing crisis in the state. The focus should remain on fostering unity and collaboration among all elected representatives.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Governor's meeting with Kuki-Zo MLAs?
The meeting aimed to discuss the potential visit of Prime Minister Modi to Manipur and necessary arrangements for the visit.
Why is Congress criticizing the Governor?
Congress criticizes the Governor for holding exclusive meetings with BJP MLAs, arguing it undermines democratic norms and the voices of elected representatives.
What are the implications of PM Modi's visit?
PM Modi's visit could have significant political implications and is seen as a crucial moment for Manipur, especially in light of recent ethnic violence.
What security measures are in place for the PM's visit?
The Churachandpur district administration has prohibited the use of drones and other aerial devices to ensure security during the visit.
What is the timeline for PM Modi's visit to Manipur?
PM Modi is likely to visit Manipur on September 13, 2023, marking his first trip to the state since the unrest in May.
