Modi Visits Manipur for First Time Since Ethnic Violence Began Two Years Ago

Darwin, September 14 — For the first time since the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the troubled state of Manipur, where at least 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced over the past two years.

The violence, which erupted in May 2023, has primarily been between the Hindu Meitei majority and the Christian Kuki minority communities. More than 10,000 people remain displaced, still living in temporary camps.

On Saturday, addressing a rally in Kuki-majority Churachandpur, Modi said:

“The Indian government is doing everything possible to bring Manipur back to normalcy.”

He assured that the central government stands with the people and urged all sides to embrace peace.

Later, speaking in the state capital Imphal, Modi announced that the government would assist in building 7,000 new homes for families displaced by the violence.

“We must strengthen the bridge of brotherhood between the hills and the valley,” he added.

Modi last visited Manipur in 2022, when he inaugurated $960 million worth of development projects. However, in February this year, BJP’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned following criticism over his failure to prevent bloodshed. Since then, the state of 3 million people has been under direct central control from New Delhi.

The root causes of the unrest include competition over land and government jobs, which have long fueled tensions. Human rights groups allege that political leaders have exploited these divisions for their own gain.

Modi’s Manipur visit is part of a three-day tour that also includes Assam and Bihar.

With a population of 130 million, Bihar is India’s third-most populous state and a key electoral battleground where the BJP has never ruled alone.

In Bihar, Modi is expected to announce an $8 billion investment package, covering agricultural initiatives, rail connectivity, road upgrades, and a new airport terminal.