Have to build a strong bridge between people of hills and valley in Manipur: PM Modi in Imphal
Imphal (Manipur) [India], September 14 (HBTV): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed the need to build a strong bridge between the people of the hills and valleys in Manipur during his visit to Imphal. He said that violence in the state is unfortunate and a great injustice to both ancestors and future generations, urging unity for peace and development.
Addressing the public, PM Modi highlighted Manipur's significant role in India's freedom struggle, recalling that the Indian National Army first hoisted the national flag in the state, which Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had called the ‘gateway to India’s freedom’.
‘Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. Therefore, we have to take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development, and we have to do it together; we have to build a strong bridge between the people of the hills and the valley in Manipur,’ PM Modi said.
‘We have to take inspiration from Manipur's contribution in the freedom struggle of India and in the defence of India. It was the land of Manipur where the Indian National Army hoisted the Indian flag for the first time. Netaji Subhash called Manipur the gateway to India’s freedom. This land has given many heroic sacrifices. Our government is moving forward, taking inspiration from every such great personality of Manipur,’ he added.
Earlier, PM Modi met victims of the ethnic violence that has plagued the northeastern state since May 2023. This marks his first visit in two years, underscoring efforts to address the crisis. He met internally displaced persons (IDPs) who lost their homes due to clashes between the Kuki tribal groups and the majority Meitei community.
PM Modi assured the public that the government is working to restore normalcy in the region, noting that 7,000 new houses have been approved for the displaced.
‘May peace and stability come to Manipur, may the interests of the people here remain secure, 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,’ he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to Manipur’s progress, PM Modi said the 21st century belongs to the North-East. He underlined that the state’s development rate has increased significantly in recent years.
‘Now, this time of the 21st century is the time of the North East. Therefore, the Government of India has continuously given priority to the development of Manipur. As a result, the development rate of Manipur is constantly increasing. Before 2014, the development rate of Manipur was less than one per cent. Now, Manipur is progressing many times faster than before,’ he said.
‘A new era of infrastructure development has begun in Manipur. The pace of building roads and national highways in Manipur has also increased many times. Work is also being done at a fast pace to reach every village here,’ he added.
This is PM Modi's first visit since the ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023, with discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities persisting. The conflict has damaged Manipur’s economy, disrupted social cohesion and destabilised its political landscape.
PM Modi also referred to Operation Sindoor, saluting the valour of BSF Constable Deepak Chingakham, who lost his life in action.
‘Many children of Manipur are engaged in protecting Mother India in different parts of the country. Recently, the world has seen the power of the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor. Our soldiers wreaked such havoc that the Pakistani army started to panic. The valour of many brave sons and daughters of Manipur is also included in this success of India,’ he said.
‘Similarly, I salute the valour of our brave martyr Deepak Chingakham. The country will always remember his sacrifice during Operation Sindoor. I had said that Indian culture is incomplete without Manipuri culture. And without the players of Manipur, India’s sports are also incomplete. The youth of Manipur is a youth who gives his whole heart and soul for the pride of the tricolour,’ he added.
During his visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than INR 1,200 crore in Imphal. These include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ building and New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, Manipur Bhawans in Delhi and Kolkata, and Ima Markets—unique all-women’s markets—in four districts.
(ANI)