Imphal, Ukhrul, September 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch a slew of development initiatives in Manipur during his visit on September 13 under the banner “Viksit Bharat Viksit Manipur.”
According to official banners displayed in Imphal, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹7,300 crore at Peace Ground, Churachandpur. He will also inaugurate completed projects worth ₹1,200 crore at Kangla, Imphal.
The initiatives aim to accelerate infrastructure growth, improve connectivity, and boost socio-economic development in the state.
PM Modi’s visit is taking place amid heightened security and preparations in the state, which has witnessed prolonged unrest and tensions since May 2023.
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In a joint statement issued on Thursday, a broad coalition of Kuki Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) announced their warm and respectful welcome to the Prime Minister, calling his presence in the district “deeply significant” for the KukiZo people. They described PM Modi’s visit as a “historic gathering” at Peaceground, Tuibong.
The statement, signed by leaders of the Kuki Inpi Churachandpur, Kuki Chiefs Association, Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi, Kuki Students’ Organisation, Kuki Women Union, and Kuki Women for Human Rights, among others, urged the public to turn out in large numbers to make the event memorable.
At the same time, the organisations pointed out the continuing demand for a separate administration and appealed to visiting dignitaries to “acknowledge and honor the sentiments of the local populace, who have endured deep-rooted discrimination.”
“This maiden visit marks the beginning of a path towards justice for the KukiZo people,” the joint release stated.
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Meanwhile, the Zomi Council has extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his maiden visit to Lamka on September 13, while reiterating its demand for a lasting political solution to end the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
The Zomi Council said the Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when Zomi people are still reeling from over two years of ethnic violence, displacement, and destruction. The visit, it noted, carries “a fragile glimmer of hope” that the pain and suffering of the community will finally be acknowledged and addressed.
The Zomi Council described the recent extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the United People’s Front (UPF-Zomi) as a “positive step,” but stressed that only an expedited political dialogue and decisive action could bring peace. “Thousands of families continue to live without homes, children are growing up without schools, and survivors carry the trauma of violence every day,” the statement read.
Citing Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers Parliament to reorganize state boundaries or create new states, the Council pointed to past examples such as Telangana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, where political aspirations and security needs were recognized. It urged the Government of India to accord the same consideration to the Zomi people.
The Zomi Council appealed to the Centre to demonstrate “sincerity of purpose and political will” by initiating concrete steps towards the creation of a separate administration with full legislative powers. “Only then can our people have a peaceful and dignified future,” it added.