PM Modi’s Manipur Visit 2025: First Trip Since 2023 Ethnic Clashes, Projects Worth ₹8,500 Crore to be Unveiled

Imphal/Churachandpur, September 12, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his first visit to Manipur since the 2023 ethnic clashes on September 13, 2025, marking a highly significant political and emotional moment for the violence-scarred state.

This will be Modi’s maiden trip to Manipur after the outbreak of the Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict in May 2023, which claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands. His visit will cover two symbolic venues: Peace Ground in Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated district, and Kangla Fort in Imphal, the cultural heart of the Meitei community.

₹8,500 Crore Development Push

During his visit, the Prime Minister will unveil development projects worth ₹8,500 crore:

Churachandpur: Foundation stones for projects worth ₹7,300 crore.

Imphal (Kangla Fort): Inaugurations and dedications worth ₹1,200 crore.

Officials said the projects focus on connectivity, infrastructure, and welfare schemes, under the government’s “Viksit Bharat, Viksit Manipur” mission.

Heavy Security in Place

The Manipur Police, central paramilitary forces, and Army units have launched massive security operations in Churachandpur and Imphal. Roads are barricaded, routes decorated, and surveillance heightened. At Kangla Fort, even the moats are being patrolled by boats from the disaster management force.

Authorities have issued strict entry guidelines, barring children under 12, sick persons, and large bags or sharp objects at the events.

Political Messaging and Symbolism

Billboards and hoardings with PM Modi’s portraits have been installed across both districts. A grand welcome gate greets visitors on the Imphal Airport–Kangla Fort road. Analysts suggest the dual-venue choice is a deliberate attempt to balance outreach to both Kukis and Meiteis.

Resistance and Criticism

Yet, Modi’s Manipur visit faces resistance. In Churachandpur, protests erupted when locals tried to dismantle decorations. Empty coffins were displayed as a grim reminder of those who lost their lives in the 2023 Manipur violence.

The Kuki-Zo displaced communities, still living in relief camps, expressed emotional opposition, saying the Centre has not done enough for justice and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, the Congress party criticised the visit as “symbolic,” alleging that the Prime Minister is focusing on inaugurations rather than peace and reconciliation.

What’s at Stake

The visit comes at a time when Manipur remains divided, with trust between communities still fragile. Political observers believe PM Modi’s presence is designed to signal commitment to both development and peace, but whether it can heal wounds left by the ethnic clashes remains to be seen.