In first visit in 2 years, PM Modi unveils Rs 7,300 cr projects in Manipur’s Churachandpur

This is PM Modi's first visit to Manipur in two years since ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, laid the foundation stone for a slew of development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur, marking his first visit to Manipur in two years since ethnic violence erupted in the state.

The package of initiatives spans urban infrastructure, highways, education, healthcare and digital growth.

The Manipur Urban Roads, Drainage and Asset Management Improvement Project, valued at Rs 3,647 crore, formed the largest component. The Prime Minister also announced the Rs 550 crore Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, nine working women’s hostels worth Rs 142 crore, and super-speciality healthcare facilities costing Rs 105 crore.

Other projects included the upgradation of five National Highway stretches worth over Rs 2,500 crore, infrastructure development in and around Polo Ground at Rs 30 crore, strengthening of 120 schools across 16 districts at a cost of Rs 134 crore, and rural connectivity, education, and tourism works totalling Rs 102 crore. A Rs 36 crore multipurpose indoor stadium at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal and Rs 502 crore for upgrading NH-102A in Tengnoupal have also been cleared.

During his visit, PM Modi also interacted with residents and met families affected by the 2023 ethnic clashes, which left more than 260 people dead and displaced nearly 60,000.

The unrest was sparked by demands from the valley-majority Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe status, opposed by Kuki groups who have sought a separate administration, citing marginalisation and inequitable access to land and resources.

Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister hailed Manipur as a land of “courage and determination,” and said the vibrancy of the northeastern state symbolised India’s collective strength.