Guwahati, Sept 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur after more than two years of ethnic violence carries both symbolic and political weight, as communities across the state look for a resolution to the lingering crisis.
His stops in Churachandpur and Imphal were carefully chosen. These two towns were among the worst-hit during the clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities that began in May 2023, leaving over 260 people dead and thousands displaced. Churachandpur, dominated by Kuki-Zo groups, and Imphal, where Meiteis form an overwhelming majority, represent the divided geographies of the state. By visiting both, the Prime Minister and the BJP sought to signal that neither community is being ignored.
The visit also comes against the backdrop of sustained opposition criticism. Congress leaders have repeatedly accused the Prime Minister of neglecting Manipur, noting that his last visit was in January 2022 during the state elections. In the meantime, Modi made dozens of foreign trips but stayed away from a state still reeling from violence.
The Centre has been trying to calm tensions since President’s Rule was imposed, which has contributed to a gradual decline in violence. Yet, the borders between the valley districts (Meitei majority) and the hill districts (Kuki-Zo majority) remain hardened, with trust between communities severely frayed. The government hopes Modi’s presence can mark a turning point, offering a roadmap for reconciliation and signalling New Delhi’s intent to stand with both sides.
Observers say the visit will be a “healing touch”, raising expectations that the Prime Minister’s outreach could soften hardened positions and rebuild confidence among warring groups.
The choice of Kangla Fort in Imphal as a venue added historical resonance. Once the seat of the Manipuri kings, the fort symbolises sovereignty and unity, even as the state struggles with its deepest internal divisions since independence.
For many in Manipur, the Prime Minister’s visit has brought a measure of hope. Whether it translates into lasting peace will depend on the Centre’s ability to follow through with meaningful dialogue, security assurances, and trust-building measures.
The political risks remain high. When Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Manipur in May 2024, his trip was marred by protests and violent clashes with police. Modi’s arrival, by contrast, was staged as a moment of reassurance — but it also raises expectations that the Centre must now work harder to bridge the state’s divides.
Also Read: Congress slams PM Modi’s first visit to Manipur in two years as ‘Farce’ and ‘Tokenism’
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