In a major initiative to tackle the ethnic turmoil that has affected Manipur since May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to the state on September 13, 2025, where he interacted with individuals who have been displaced in Churachandpur and Imphal. During his time there, Modi urged for an end to hostilities, calling on all involved parties to “choose the path of peace.” This trip marks his first visit to the state since the outbreak of violence, which has led to over 250 fatalities and left thousands homeless.
Modi’s visit follows criticism from opposition leaders regarding his delayed response to the crisis in the strife-torn state. Despite the prevailing difficulties, the Prime Minister pledged that his administration would exert every effort to restore peace in the area. Speaking at a gathering in Churachandpur, a stronghold of the Kuki community, Modi highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration to achieve stability in the state.
This development arises in the context of ongoing friction between the Meitei and Kuki communities, with numerous individuals still living away from their homes. Modi’s visit seeks to draw attention to the challenges faced by the region and to reassure the people of Manipur about the government’s dedication to fostering peace and development.
Modi said, “I would appeal to all organisations to move forward on the path of peace and fulfil their dreams. Today, I promise you that I am with you, the Government of India is with you, the people of Manipur.”
“We are satisfied that recently in the hills and valleys, negotiations have taken place for agreements with different groups. These are part of the efforts of the Government of India in which work is being done to establish peace while giving importance to dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding, ” he said.
“The Government of India is making every possible effort to bring life back on track in Manipur. For families who have lost their homes, our government is helping to build 7,000 new houses,” he added.
The ethnic violence, triggered by a court order granting Scheduled Tribe status for the dominant Meitei community, killed over 260 people and left thousands homeless.
The violence also displaced more than 60,000 people, nearly 40,000 from the Kuki Zo community and around 20,000 Meiteis.
The Prime Minister, whose party has been accused of siding with one of the groups for political gains during the conflict, said that it is “unfortunate” that violence has engulfed the “beautiful” region.
“The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence had cast its shadow on this beautiful region. A short while ago, I met those affected who are living in relief camps. After meeting them, I can say with confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is rising in Manipur,” he said.
Announcing several developmental projects for the state, PM Modi said, “For development to take root anywhere, peace is essential. In the past 11 years, many conflicts and disputes in the Northeast have been resolved. People have chosen the path of peace and given priority to development…”
Noting the various initiatives taken by his government for the development of the state, Modi said that earlier decisions made in Delhi took decades to reach here, but now Manipur was progressing along with the rest of the nation.
“Earlier, good schools and hospitals in the Hills and tribal areas were only a dream. Today, with the efforts of the Centre, this situation is changing. In Churachandpur, a medical college has now been established,” he said.
“Even decades after Independence, Manipur’s Hill region did not have a single medical college. It is our government that has fulfilled this need. Through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Centre is providing free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh. In Manipur alone, more than 2.5 lakh patients have received free treatment under this scheme,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a significant three-hour visit to Manipur on September 13, 2025, marking his initial trip to the state since the onset of ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023. Upon his arrival, he was greeted at Imphal airport by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel. Due to heavy rains, Modi opted for road travel to Churachandpur instead of flying directly from Mizoram.
During his stay, Modi spoke with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and held rallies at Kangla Fort in Imphal and Peace Ground in Churachandpur. Chingtham Lembi Devi, a 20-year-old college student, shared her wish to return home after spending over two years in a relief camp. Modi also engaged with other IDPs, including Lhingjoujam Haokip, who expressed gratitude for his promise to address their issues, and 12-year-old Nengmeihoi, who performed a poem in Hindi.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of peace and urged organizations involved in the conflict to pursue reconciliation. He also affirmed the government’s dedication to restoring normalcy and announced development initiatives totaling over ₹8,500 crore. These initiatives comprise the Manipur Urban Roads, a drainage and asset management improvement project, and the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project.
Enhanced security measures were implemented during Modi’s visit, with significant numbers of state and central forces deployed. In spite of opposition criticism regarding the brevity of his visit, Modi’s trip was intended to draw attention to the situation in the region and reassure the people of Manipur about the government’s commitment to peace and development.
‘Farce, tokenism, grave insult to people of Manipur’-The Congress, which has repeatedly slammed the Prime Minister for refusing to visit Manipur despite the deadly violence, lashed out at Modi on Saturday calling his 3-hours-tour to the state a “face-saving farce.”
The party alleged that PM Modi’s visit is “tokenism” and a “grave insult” to the people of the state.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused Modi of organising a grand welcome ceremony for himself and claimed that it “is a cruel prick” to the wounds of those still suffering.
“In the words of your own… Where is your Rajdharma?” Kharge asked on X just before Modi’s Manipur visit.
