Manipur, India — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for peace in Manipur on Saturday, addressing the northeastern state that has been wracked by two years of deadly ethnic violence. During his visit, Modi unveiled a package of development projects worth nearly $1 billion aimed at restoring stability and supporting communities affected by the conflict.
Since clashes erupted in May 2023 between the state’s majority Hindu Meitei community and the mainly Christian Kuki tribes over economic benefits and job quotas, around 260 people have been killed and more than 60,000 displaced. The violence has left deep scars across the region, prompting calls for reconciliation and development.
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During his first visit to Manipur since the violence began, Modi met with displaced members of both communities. Speaking in the Kuki-majority Churachandpur hills, he said, “The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence has cast its shadow on this beautiful region. I appeal to all organisations to take the path of peace to fulfill their dreams and secure the future of their children.”
Modi inaugurated a series of development projects, including women’s hostels, indoor stadiums, and road infrastructure, worth a total of $963 million, during his visit to Imphal and Churachandpur. In addition, he announced government support for the construction of 7,000 new homes for families displaced by the conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue and mutual understanding between the communities.
“We should strengthen the bridge of brotherhood between the hills and the valley,” Modi urged, highlighting the government’s commitment to restoring peace and promoting development across Manipur.
The state, governed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, has faced political turmoil amid the unrest. Manipur’s Chief Minister Biren Singh resigned in February following allegations of bias toward the Meitei community and criticism from the Kuki population, as well as dissent within his own party. Since then, the state has been administered directly by the federal government through a governor appointed by New Delhi.
Modi’s visit and the announcement of large-scale development initiatives aim to signal a renewed focus on reconciliation, infrastructure, and economic recovery in a region that has long been marked by ethnic tension and political instability.
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