Imphal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manipur on September 13, marking his first trip to the violence-hit state since ethnic clashes broke out more than two years ago. During the visit, he is set to launch and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹8,500 crore, officials confirmed on Thursday.

According to the programme, the Prime Minister will:

  • Lay foundation stones for projects worth ₹7,300 crore at Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district.
  • Inaugurate completed infrastructure projects worth ₹1,200 crore from Kangla Fort in Imphal, a Meitei-majority area.

The projects cover roads, power, water supply, housing, and education infrastructure, aimed at reviving the state’s development momentum amid continuing ethnic tensions.

The visit comes as opposition parties have long criticised Modi for not travelling to Manipur despite ongoing unrest, which since May 2023 has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands.

Security has been tightened across Imphal and Churachandpur, with state and central forces deployed in large numbers. Kangla Fort, once the seat of Manipuri rulers, and Peace Ground are being readied with heavy security checks, barricades, and patrolling by disaster management boats in the fort’s moats.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba hailed Modi’s visit as “very fortunate” for Manipur, urging people to welcome the Prime Minister instead of calling for boycotts.