PM's address to Manipur silent on roadmap to solution, vocal on development, peace
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 13 2025: Finally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur for a few hours, laid foundation stones of several projects, inaugurated some other projects but did not announce any step or measures to bring a solution to the more than two years old Manipur crisis.

Amid heavy rainfall, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal from Mizoram in the Indian Air Force 1 at around noon.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel received Modi at the airport.

From the airport, Narendra Modi went to Peace Ground, Churachandpur by road.

There he laid the foundation stones of several projects worth Rs 7200 crore.

PM's address to Manipur silent on roadmap to solution, vocal on development, peace

He also addressed a public rally at the Peace Ground.

From Churachandpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to the historic Kangla fort where he inaugurated projects worth Rs 1200 crore.

Speaking at the public rally held at Kangla, Narendra Modi said that his Government has been working continuously to bring peace and stability in Manipur.

He stated that fulfilling the needs of internally displaced persons and resettling them is a top priority of the Government.

The Prime Minister announced that the Government has approved 7000 new houses for IDPs.

Recently, the Central Government announced a special package of Rs 3000 crore for the State of Manipur.

In addition, Rs 500 crore has been allocated to meet the requirements of IDPs, Narendra Modi said.

He stated that a strong bond must be built between the hills and valley of Manipur.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not say anything concrete on how to bring peace and restore normalcy in the strife-tom State.

The Prime Minister stated that any form of violence in Manipur is unfortunate and such violence is a grave injustice to both "our ancestors and future generations".

"Our Government is continuously working to ensure peace and stability in Manipur", exclaimed the PM, emphasising that the interests of the people must be safeguarded and that those forced to live in camps should be able to return to normal life.

He stressed the importance of consistently advancing Manipur on the path of peace and development.

The Prime Minister stated that projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and launched today for the development of Manipur.

He remarked that these projects will enhance the ease of living for the people and strengthen the infrastructure in the region.

The Prime Minister said that new employment opportunities will be created for the youth of Manipur and for the sons and daughters of the State.

The Prime Minister stated that among the projects launched today, two are particularly significant, highlighting the 'Manipur Urban Roads Project,' with an investment of over Rs 3,600 crore and 'Manipur Infotech Development Project,' with an investment exceeding Rs 500 crore.

Modi remarked that these projects will strengthen road infrastructure in Imphal and infuse new energy into Manipur's bright future.

Highlighting that after independence, major cities in the western and southern parts of the country witnessed development and became hubs of aspiration, Modi remarked that youth in those regions received new opportunities.

"The 21 st century belongs to the East and the North East", he added.

The Prime Minister stated that the Government of India has consistently prioritized the development of Manipur, highlighting that as a result, Manipur's growth rate has been steadily increasing.

He noted that before 2014, Manipur's growth rate was less than one percent.

He remarked that today, Manipur is progressing many times faster than before.

Modi stated that a new phase of infrastructure development has begun in Manipur.

He expressed satisfaction that the pace of road construction and National Highway development in the State has increased manifold.

He added that rapid work is underway to extend road connectivity to every village.

Underlining that Imphal is a city of possibilities, the Prime Minister remarked that he envisions Imphal as one of the developed cities of India that will fulfil the dreams of the youth and accelerate the Nation's progress.

He informed that under this vision, several projects have been completed in Imphal under the Smart City Mission.

He added that many other projects worth hundreds of crores are also progressing rapidly.

The Prime Minister remarked that whether it is Imphal or other regions of Manipur, new opportunities are emerging for startups and technology-based industries.

He added that the IT Special Economic Zone will further strengthen these possibilities and the first building of this zone has already been completed.

Modi noted that the demand for a new Civil Secretariat building in Manipur had been long-standing.

He announced that this building is now ready and the new facility will reinforce the spirit of 'Nagarik Devobhava' in governance.

Noting that many people from Manipur frequently travel to Kolkata and Delhi, Modi informed that to ensure affordable accommodation in these cities, Manipur Bhavans have been constructed in both locations.

He remarked that these facilities will greatly support the daughters of Manipur.

He added that when children are safe and secure there, it will ease the concerns of parents back home.

Emphasising that the Government is working with full sensitivity to reduce the hardships faced by the people, Modi acknowledged that many parts of Manipur suffer from severe flood-related challenges.

He added that the Government is actively working on multiple projects to mitigate this issue.

Underscoring that Manipur is a State where mothers and sisters are at the forefront of the economy, the Prime Minister highlighted the tradition of Ima Keithel as a powerful testament to this fact.

He remarked that he considers women empowerment to be a central pillar of India's development and of the vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

He stated that this inspiration is clearly visible in Manipur.

Modi said that after the formation of the current Government, special haat bazaars - known as Ima Markets - were initiated for women.

He expressed happiness that four new Ima Markets have been inaugurated today and these markets will greatly support the women of Manipur.

"Manipur possesses a rich heritage that spans thousands of years.

The cultural roots of the region are deep and strong.

Manipur is the crown jewel adorning the crest of Mother India", exclaimed the Prime Minister.

He emphasized the need to continuously strengthen Manipur's developmental image.

The Prime Minister highlighted Manipur's inspiring contribution to India's freedom struggle and National defence.

He recalled that it was on Manipur's soil where the Indian National Army first hoisted India's own flag.

He quoted Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who referred to Manipur as the gateway to India's independence and paid tribute to the many brave martyrs from this land.

Modi stated that the Government draws inspiration from every great personality of Manipur.

Mentioning a major step taken by the Government - renaming Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Mount Manipur, Modi affirmed that this is a National tribute to the freedom fighters of Manipur.

Acknowledging that even today, many sons and daughters of Manipur are serving across different parts of the country in the defence of Mother India, the Prime Minister remarked that during Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed the strength of the Indian Armed Forces.

He stated that the Indian soldiers inflicted such decisive blows that the Pakistani army was left overwhelmed.

Modi highlighted that Manipur's brave sons and daughters played a vital role in India's success during the operation.

He paid tribute to one such valiant soldier, Shaheed Deepak Chingakham, and saluted his courage.

He affirmed that Deepak Chingakham's sacrifice during Operation Sindoor will always be remembered by the Nation.

Recalling his visit to Manipur in 2014 and a statement he had made then, Modi mentioned that he had said that without Manipuri culture, Indian culture is incomplete and without the athletes of Manipur, Indian sports remain incomplete.

He stated that the youth of Manipur dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to upholding the pride of the National flag.

He emphasized that this identity must not be overshadowed by the dark shadow of violence.

"As India emerges as a global sports powerhouse, the responsibility of Manipur's youth has increased further.

This is why the Government of India chose Manipur for the country's first National Sports University", said the PM.

He added that under the Khelo India Scheme and Olympic Podium Schemes, many athletes from Manipur are being encouraged and supported with modem sports infrastructure being developed in Manipur for the youth.

Modi highlighted that to promote polo, the Marjing Polo Complex has been established, featuring the world's tallest polo statue.

He added that an Olympian Park has also been built to honour the Olympians from the region.

Pointing out that the Government recently announced the National Sports Policy - Khelo India Niti, the Prime Minister emphasized that this will greatly benefit the youth of Manipur in the coming years.

Highlighting that the Government has significantly reduced GST, the Prime Minister stated that this will bring double benefits to the people of Manipur.

He explained that many daily-use items - such as soap, shampoo, hair oil, clothes, and footwear - will now become more affordable.

He added that prices of cement and other construction materials will also come down.

Modi informed that GST has been substantially reduced on hotels and food services as well.

He remarked that this will benefit guest house owners, taxi operators, and roadside eateries, adding that this move will also help boost tourism in the region.

The Prime Minister stated that from the soil of Manipur, he wished to address his friends in Nepal.

He remarked that Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a close friend and trusted partner of India.

Emphasizing that both nations are bound by shared history, faith, and a collective journey forward, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt congratulations, on behalf of 140 crore Indians, to Smt Sushila Ji on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Nepal's interim Government.

He expressed confidence that she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal.

"In the 21st century, India is moving forward with a singular goal - the goal of a developed India and achieving this goal requires the development of Manipur", stated the PM underlining that Manipur is full of limitless possibilities.

He stated that it is the collective duty of all to remain firmly on the path of development.

The Prime Minister affirmed that Manipur lacks no capability, stressing the need to continuously strengthen the path of dialogue and build a strong bridge of harmony between the hills and the valley.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing confidence that Manipur will become a powerful centre of India's growth.

He once again extended his heartfelt congratulations to all for the development projects.