During his first visit to Manipur since the 2023 ethnic clashes, Modi described the violence as “unfortunate” and an “injustice to our ancestors and our next generation.” He urged both Meitei and Kuki groups to restore peace and harmony in the state.
BY PC Bureau
September 13, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his first visit to Manipur since the 2023 ethnic violence, firmly set aside the Kuki-Zo community’s demand for a separate union territory and instead urged reconciliation between the state’s hill and valley communities. Speaking at Kangla Fort in Imphal—an emotionally sensitive site on territorial integrity—Modi addressed nearly 15,000 people, calling for unity, peace, and dialogue to bridge ethnic divides.
“It is essential to build a strong bridge between the people of the Hills and the Valley to ensure lasting peace and progress in the state,” the Prime Minister declared.
He pointed to ongoing initiatives, noting, “Centre’s continuous efforts led to peace talks between hill and valley groups.” Later, he met with internally displaced persons (IDPs), assuring them of sustained government support for rehabilitation.
PM Modi interacts with families in Imphal relief camps, hearing their concerns with empathy and reaffirming the Govt’s commitment to ensuring their safety, dignity and a brighter future. pic.twitter.com/jo9298ckYN
— BJP (@BJP4India) September 13, 2025
On the ethnic clashes, which since May 2023 have claimed more than 250 lives and displaced nearly 60,000 people, Modi said, “Any violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is injustice to our ancestors and our next generation.”
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to normalcy: “May the lives of those who are forced to live in camps return to normalcy, for this our government is continuously working. The government has approved 7,000 new houses for the displaced. Recently, the central government has also announced a special package of about Rs 3,000 crore for Manipur.”
READ: Tribal Leaders Vow Never to Abandon Union Territory Cause
Talking about the development push of his government, Modi said, “Today, development projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and launched for the progress of Manipur. These projects will enhance the ease of living for the people, strengthen infrastructure, and create new opportunities of employment for the youth of Manipur.”
Referring to Imphal as a “city of possibilities,” he added, “the 21st century belongs to the north-east.”
Touching on the ethnic conflict that has left over 250 dead and displaced 60,000, the Prime Minister urged unity: “We have to take Manipur to the oath of peace and development. We need to get inspired from the involvement of people from Manipur in the fight for Independence. It was in Manipur that INA had first unfurled the national flag.”
He also outlined relief measures: “The government has approved 7,000 new houses for the displaced. Recently, the central government has also announced a special package of about Rs 3,000 crore for Manipur. This includes a provision of more than 500 crore rupees for the assistance of the displaced.”
