In his first speech in Manipur’s capital Imphal since the onset of ethnic violence in the state in May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday urged both the Meitei-dominated valley and the Kuki-dominated hill districts to “build a strong bridge of harmony” and move forward on the path of peace and development.
Addressing a gathering at Kangla Fort in Meitei-dominated Imphal after inaugurating projects worth thousands of crores, Modi described violence in the state as “an injustice to Manipur’s forefathers and future generations”, and said unity was essential to fulfil the state’s promise.
“There is no dearth of capability in Manipur. What is needed is that we strengthen the path of dialogue continuously. We have to build a strong bridge of harmony between the hills and the valley. I have confidence that Manipur will become a strong centre of the country’s development,” he said.
The PM’s speech in Imphal came just over an hour after he addressed people in the Kuki-dominated hill district of Churachandpur.
Message of peace
The PM’s speech came against the backdrop of continuing mistrust between Meiteis and Kukis, whose communities have suffered displacement, killings and the destruction of homes and places of worship over the past two years. His speech was seen as an attempt to reassure both sides that the Centre has remained committed to their reconciliation.
“Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. It is an injustice to Manipur’s forefathers and the future generations. We have to continuously take Manipur ahead on the road of peace and progress. And we have to do it together,” Modi said in Imphal, adding that Manipur’s role in India’s freedom struggle and its tradition of bravery demanded unity, not division.
Development push
While peace was his central message, Modi coupled it with the promise of rapid development, portraying economic growth as a bridge that could reconnect communities. He announced the launch of two major initiatives – the Rs 3,600-crore Manipur Urban Road Project and the Rs 500-crore Infotech Development Project – which he said would “strengthen Manipur’s road infrastructure and fill the state with new energy”.
“After Independence, development happened in western and southern India, youth got opportunities. This 21st century is of the east, the Northeast. That is why the government has always prioritised the development of Manipur. That is why Manipur’s growth rate is continuously increasing. Before 2014, the growth rate of Manipur was less than 1%. Now Manipur is growing at a much faster pace,” Modi said.
Highlighting new infrastructure in Imphal under the Smart City Mission, an IT Special Economic Zone, and new secretariat facilities, the PM said he envisioned the state capital as “a city of possibilities” that could contribute to national growth.
Women and economy
The PM also placed emphasis on Manipur’s women-led economy, highlighting the traditional Ima Keithel markets run by women traders. “Manipur is one state where women are at the forefront of the economy. The Ima Keithel tradition is an evidence of that. I consider women power as the fulcrum of India’s growth and Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said, noting that four new Ima Keithel markets were inaugurated Saturday.
He added that reduced GST rates would make daily necessities, construction materials, and hospitality services cheaper, thereby easing lives and stimulating local enterprise.
Cultural pride, bravery, sports
Seeking to reinforce unity through cultural identity, Modi reminded the Kangla Fort audience that “without Manipur’s culture, Indian culture is incomplete; and without Manipur’s sports, India’s sports is incomplete”.
He saluted Manipuri soldiers’ contribution to national defence, citing their role in the recent Operation Sindoor. “During Operation Sindoor, the world saw India’s capabilities. Indian forces unleashed such havoc that Pakistan began running for cover. The courage and bravery of many sons and daughters of Manipur was also a part of this operation. I salute the bravery and sacrifice of one such martyr, Deepak Chingakham, today. The country will always remember his sacrifice,” Modi said.
With Manipur recognised as a key “cradle” of Indian sport, Modi pointed to the National Sports University, the Marjing Polo Complex and the Olympic Park as signs of the government’s commitment. “Today, when India is becoming the powerhouse of global sports, Manipur’s youth have even greater responsibility,” he said.
Outreach to displaced families
Acknowledging the humanitarian crisis caused by the ethnic strife, Modi assured that his government was “continuously working to ensure Manipur witnesses peace and stability, people’s interests are protected and those living in camps are rehabilitated”.
He urged people to draw inspiration from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s unfurling of the Indian flag in Manipur during the freedom struggle. “Netaji had called Manipur the door to India’s freedom. This land has made many brave sacrifices. Our government is moving forward drawing inspiration from the people of this land,” he said.
Looking ahead
In a symbolic gesture linking the past and the present, Modi recalled that the government had renamed Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur to honour Manipuri heroes of the Independence movement. He urged citizens to live up to that legacy by rejecting violence and embracing dialogue.
“To achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, the development of Manipur is necessary. Manipur is a land of great possibilities. On the road to development, we do not keep even one wrong foot, it is our duty,” he said, closing with a call for collective effort.