PM Modi Travels By Road To Manipur Rally After Rains Ground Helicopter

This is PM Modi’s first visit to Manipur since 2023 violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Manipur since clashes erupted last year, vowing that the Centre would stand firmly with the state as it struggles to heal. Ethnic violence between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the hill-based Kuki tribes broke out in May 2023, leaving more than 250 people dead and forcing around 60,000 into makeshift government-run camps.

PM Modi’s first stop was Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a stronghold of the Kuki-Zo community. Later, he visited Kangla Fort in Imphal, a site of deep cultural and political significance to the Meiteis- two locations just 61 km apart but emblematic of Manipur’s fractured landscape.

PM Modi Travels In Heavy Rain

Officials advised PM Modi against flying by helicopter to Churachandpur due to poor weather. But PM Modi insisted on reaching by road- a journey of about an hour and a half- determined, he said, to meet people face-to-face.

“I salute the spirit of the people of Manipur,” PM Modi told a crowd of thousands braving the downpour.

“Even in such heavy rain, you came here in large numbers. My helicopter could not fly, so I came by road. The love and affection I saw along the way- people waving the tricolor- I will never forget this moment in my life.”

Striking a conciliatory note, PM Modi said New Delhi was committed to helping the state recover. He said, “In order to bring life back on track in Manipur, the government of India is making all possible efforts. I promise you today that I’m with you. The government of India is with the people of Manipur.”

PM Modi also appealed to all communities to shun confrontation and embrace peace as he said, “I request every group to take the path of peace for realising their dreams.”