Education

A Day Ahead Of PM Modi’s Manipur Visit, Here’s What News18 Found On The Ground

AnyFans 2025-09-13

By Kamalika Sengupta,News18,Pathikrit Sen Gupta

For nearly 28 months, Manipur has lived through one of the longest spells of unrest in its history. The ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities left hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and the state deeply scarred.
Eight months of relative calm, however, have given residents a cautious sense of relief. It is against this backdrop that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the state, his first since the conflict began, to inaugurate projects worth nearly Rs 8,500 crore.
News18 visits both Imphal and Churanchandpur to take stock of the ground situation and find out how much change has taken place in Manipur.

Scenes ahead of PM Modi’s Manipur visit. Pic/News18
The choice of venues—Imphal in the valley and Churachandpur in the hills—carries political significance, signalling outreach to both Meiteis and Kukis.
In Imphal, where businesses have resumed and the fear of sudden clashes has receded, anticipation runs high. The city is decorated with posters of “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Manipur.” For young people, the expectations are straightforward—jobs, better education, and an end to instability.
At Manipur University, students voiced both optimism and disappointment. “We need free movement and growth. We are hopeful the Prime Minister will bring projects to help us move forward,” said student Jemima Panmei. Another student, Monika Angom, remarked: “He is late—we expected him two years ago. But his visit still means a lot.”
In Churachandpur, the mood was equally watchful. The road from Imphal, once lined with makeshift bunkers, was now under heavy security patrols. Anti-mine vehicles are marching in the entire area, which goes up to CCPUR. Special passes for police have been provided too.
The programme of the Prime Minister is at the Peace Ground, near where violence erupted in May 2023. Arrangements for PM Modi’s address are underway. Posters welcoming him were put up by the Kuki-Zo Council, an indication of willingness to engage.
Community voices there stressed the need for dialogue and political resolution. “We need a political solution. His visit means a lot, and we are ready for talks,” said Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson of the Kuki Zo Council.
In relief camps, displaced families—still unable to return home after two years—voiced their longing for stability. “We hope the Prime Minister will help us. We want to go back home and move forward,” said teenager Kim Nei Lhing.
The Prime Minister’s speech will be closely watched for signals on reconciliation, rehabilitation, and long-term development. For a state tired of being defined by violence, PM Modi’s visit is being seen as a chance to turn the page.