Guwahati, Sept 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over ₹7,300 crore in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, marking his first visit to the state since 2023. He assured the people that the Centre is committed to making Manipur a “symbol of peace, prosperity and progress.”
Addressing a massive gathering, the Prime Minister hailed Manipur as “a land of courage and determination” and said its hills are both a natural treasure and a testament to the resilience of its people. “The very name Manipur carries the word Mani, a jewel that will enhance the brilliance of the North East,” he remarked.
This is his first trip to the state since the ethnic violence which erupted in May 2023. Over the last two years, the Congress has repeatedly demanded that PM Narendra Modi visit Manipur, with the party even raising the issue of his “silence” in Parliament on multiple occasions.
The projects inaugurated include urban road and drainage works worth over ₹3,600 crore, five national highway projects of more than ₹2,500 crore, and the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, along with working women’s hostels in nine locations. Modi said these initiatives will particularly benefit hill districts and tribal communities, expanding opportunities in health, education, connectivity, and employment.
Connectivity formed a central theme of his address. The Prime Minister highlighted that ₹3,700 crore has already been spent on national highways, while another ₹8,700 crore worth of projects are underway. He pointed to the upcoming ₹22,000 crore Jiribam–Imphal railway line and the modern Imphal Airport, built at a cost of ₹400 crore, as game-changers for mobility and growth.
On social infrastructure, Modi underlined that Churachandpur now hosts its first-ever medical college, while 18 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are being established across the state. He said nearly 2.5 lakh patients in Manipur have already benefitted from free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, saving families more than ₹350 crore in medical expenses.
The Prime Minister also directly addressed the state’s recent turmoil. Calling Manipur “a soil of hope and aspiration,” he said dialogue and reconciliation are the way forward. “Establishing peace is essential for development,” he stressed, announcing a special package of ₹3,000 crore, including ₹500 crore earmarked for displaced families and support for constructing 7,000 new houses.
Highlighting tribal development as a “national priority,” Modi said over 500 villages in Manipur are being covered under the Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. He also emphasised women’s empowerment, citing new hostels and welfare measures for working women.
“Development of every tribal community, empowerment of every daughter, and resettlement of every displaced family is our mission,” Modi declared, assuring that the Centre would fully support the state in restoring peace and rebuilding lives.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and other dignitaries attended the event.
