Need to strengthen development trajectory in Manipur: PM

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Wednesday emphasised the need to continue working with renewed vigour in order to strengthen development trajectory in ethnic strife-hit Manipur, conveying to the state administration the Centre’s “full and steadfast” support.On the statehood day of Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya, he wrote separate letters to their respective heads of govt, highlighting Centre’s efforts to speed up progress in the region where development had “stagnated”.In his letter to Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Modi recalled his visit to the state in Sept last year. “I reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to stand with the people of Manipur and to support every effort aimed at ensuring lasting peace and sustained progress,” he said.The visit was seen as part of Centre’s multi-pronged push to defuse ethnic tensions involving Meiteis and Kukis and restore normalcy in the state.He told Bhalla, “I salute my sisters and brothers of Manipur for their remarkable courage and unwavering faith in peace and progress. It is imperative that we continue to work with renewed vigour to strengthen Manipur’s development trajectory. I assure you of the Centre’s full and steadfast support in this endeavour.”

“Since 2014, our govt has worked with the resolve of ‘Act East, Act Fast’ to empower the region, unlock opportunities for progress and fulfil the aspirations of the people,” he said.Writing to Tripura CM Manik Saha, Modi said it was an undeniable reality that the people of the Northeast, including Tripura, had for decades felt distant and isolated from national mainstream.The PM said that govt’s vision of ‘Purvodaya’ is transforming the Northeast.While Tripura once faced insurgency and unrest, the 2024 peace accord with NLFT and ATTF has ushered in a new dawn of hope, he said.The Prime Minister told Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma that development in the Northeast had stagnated before NDA govt got a historic mandate in 2014 and began working extensively to transform the region.