What Security Measures Are Being Taken Before PM Modi’s Visit to Manipur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Army reviews security across Manipur.
- Prime Minister's visit is tied to ethnic tension in the region.
- Preparations include webcasting and security enhancements.
- Governor's meetings with local leaders highlight political engagement.
- Churachandpur district declared a No Drone Zone.
Imphal, Sep 11 (NationPress) In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential visit to Manipur on September 13, the Army has assessed the security landscape and readiness of forces across various districts, as reported by officials on Thursday.
A defense spokesperson revealed that Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Spear Corps, undertook a security review covering several districts in Manipur, including Churachandpur, Imphal, Bishnupur, and others.
During this review, Lt Gen Pendharkar engaged with senior officials and troops from the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police, and various other security agencies tasked with maintaining order across the state.
The GOC also inspected units stationed along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur to evaluate the on-ground situation, commending personnel for their remarkable commitment, professionalism, and motivation.
On September 9, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla convened a meeting with five MLAs from the Kuki-Zo communities in Churachandpur to discuss the prospective Prime Minister's visit on September 13.
Previously, on September 7, the Governor met with BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and BJP State President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar were also present at this meeting.
However, participants have remained tight-lipped regarding the details discussed during the meeting at Raj Bhavan.
Officials and BJP leaders in Manipur noted that the Prime Minister’s visit has not yet been officially confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Reports indicate that the Prime Minister is set to visit the capital of Mizoram, Aizawl, to inaugurate the newly constructed 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway project, before proceeding to two locations in Manipur—Imphal and Churachandpur.
A senior official in Imphal mentioned that various district administrations are preparing for webcasting the Prime Minister’s programme in Imphal and Churachandpur.
In the meantime, the Churachandpur district administration has banned aerial devices, including drones and balloons, in the district leading up to the ‘VVIP visit’.
The District Magistrate, Dharun Kumar S., issued an order on September 4 designating the entire hill district as a No Drone Zone.
This anticipated visit by the Prime Minister on September 13 marks his first trip to Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma noted that the Prime Minister is expected to embark on a two-day visit to Assam on September 13-14.
The focus of PM Modi's visit is the birth centenary celebrations of cultural icon and Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika, during which he will inaugurate the official celebrations in Guwahati on September 13.
Following extended 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 remains under suspended animation following the declaration of President’s Rule, with a tenure that extends until 2027.