NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid his first visit to Manipur, two years after ethnic violence left the state in shamble, leaving 260 dead. He inaugurated developmental projects worth Rs 7,300 crore at Kuki-dominated Churachandpur.
"There is 'Mani' in the name of Manipur. It is that 'Mani' which is going to make the entire Northeast shine in the future. The Government of India has been trying to take Manipur forward in the path of development. A while ago, the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 7,000 crore was laid here," he said.
"Centre has increased budget allocation for railway, road connectivity projects in Manipur," he added. He further urged all outfits to "embark on path of peace to secure your children's future." PM Modi was received at the Imphal airport by governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel.
Ahead of the prime minister's visit, security was significantly tightened in Imphal and Churachandpur. Large contingents of state and central forces have been deployed around Kangla Fort in Imphal and Peace Ground in Churachandpur, the key venues of his rallies.
His visit takes place against the backdrop of persistent opposition criticism over his absence from Manipur, where ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 2023 have claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands.
"There is 'Mani' in the name of Manipur. It is that 'Mani' which is going to make the entire Northeast shine in the future. The Government of India has been trying to take Manipur forward in the path of development. A while ago, the foundation stone of projects worth around Rs 7,000 crore was laid here," he said.
"Centre has increased budget allocation for railway, road connectivity projects in Manipur," he added. He further urged all outfits to "embark on path of peace to secure your children's future." PM Modi was received at the Imphal airport by governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and chief secretary Puneet Kumar Goel.
Ahead of the prime minister's visit, security was significantly tightened in Imphal and Churachandpur. Large contingents of state and central forces have been deployed around Kangla Fort in Imphal and Peace Ground in Churachandpur, the key venues of his rallies.
His visit takes place against the backdrop of persistent opposition criticism over his absence from Manipur, where ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities since May 2023 have claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands.
You may also like
Kirk assassination remark: Who is Ilhan Omar? Representative who Trump claims 'married her brother' to get US citizenship
Arsenal news: Gunners have nowhere to hide as Viktor Gyokeres sends message after injury scare
UK households urged to take action if they spot popular bird in their garden
Man Utd news: Star Ruben Amorim axed heavily praised as Paul Scholes calls for double exit
Malegaon 2008 blasts case: Bombay HC admits victims' families' appeal, issues notices to NIA
