PM inaugurates projects worth over Rs 8,500 crore, interacts with displaced persons but refrains from directly addressing unrest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated development projects worth over Rs 8,500 crore in Manipur, highlighting infrastructure, health, and education initiatives, but largely refrained from addressing the nearly two-year-long ethnic unrest that continues to affect the state, Imphal Times reported.
Despite opposition from several civil society organizations and calls for a boycott by rebel groups, large crowds turned out in both districts, braving incessant rains, to welcome the Prime Minister, Imphal Times reported. Originally scheduled to fly directly from Mizoram to Churachandpur, bad weather forced Modi to land at Bir Tikendrajit Airport in Imphal and travel by road.
In Churachandpur, Modi laid the foundation for projects aimed at tribal welfare, including improved road and rail connectivity, the new Imphal Airport, and helicopter services. “Projects worth about Rs 7,000 crore have been inaugurated to improve the lives of people, especially tribal communities in the hills,” he said. He also announced the construction of 7,000 houses for displaced families and a special package of Rs 3,000 crore, including Rs 500 crore for rehabilitation.
In Imphal, the Prime Minister inaugurated urban development and IT projects, including the Rs 3,600 crore Manipur Urban Roads Project and Rs 500 crore Manipur Infotech Development Project. “These projects will enhance ease of living, create jobs, and inject new energy into Manipur’s bright future,” Modi said, highlighting the state’s emerging startup ecosystem and long-awaited Civil Secretariat building.
Women’s empowerment was also emphasised, with Modi citing the historic Ima Keithel market and announcing four new Ima Markets. He underlined the government’s welfare initiatives, noting nearly 60,000 houses built for the poor, over one lakh free electricity connections, and more than 3.5 lakh households receiving tap water under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
While Modi interacted with internally displaced persons in both districts, his speeches contained only brief references to unrest. He expressed optimism that “a new dawn of peace” was approaching and urged unity between hills and valley to ensure inclusive development.
Paying tribute to Manipuri martyrs and soldiers, Modi lauded sporting and cultural initiatives, including the National Sports University, Marjing Polo Complex, and Olympian Park, while stressing that tribal development is a national priority.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and other dignitaries were present at the events.
(With inputs from IT)