'Path of peace': PM Modi meets victims of ethnic violence; inaugurates infra projects worth Rs 8,000 cr

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited Manipur for the first time since 2023, when ethnic violence broke out, leading to unrest in the state.The visit, part of his three-day tour across five states, included two public rallies, interactions with locals, and the inauguration of development projects worth thousands of crores.Heavy rains disrupted the original schedule, grounding his helicopter and forcing him to travel by road to Churachandpur, where he was welcomed by cheering crowds despite the downpour. Alongside his outreach to the people of Manipur, the Prime Minister also addressed issues of regional peace, paid tributes to fallen soldiers, and stressed the importance of Northeast India as a driver of the nation’s growth.

Visit begins in Mizoram with historic railway inauguration

Before reaching Manipur, PM Modi began his day in Mizoram, where he inaugurated the Rs 8,070-crore Bairabi-Sairang railway line.

The project connects Mizoram with the rest of the country and puts Aizawl, the state capital, on India’s railway map for the first time.Bad weather prevented the Prime Minister from physically attending the event at Lammual Ground, but he addressed the public virtually from Lengpui Airport. Mizoram governor VK Singh, chief minister Lalduhoma, and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present on the occasion.Also read - 'Northeast suffered heavily due to vote bank politics': PM Modi slams Congress in Mizoram - top quotesBesides the railway inauguration, PM Modi flagged off the first Rajdhani Express from Aizawl to Delhi and launched two other trains linking Sairang with Guwahati and Kolkata.

He also laid foundation stones for major infrastructure projects, including a 45-km bypass road for Aizawl, a gas bottling plant, multiple road projects, and two residential schools.

Calling it a “historic day” for Mizoram, the Prime Minister said: “This is not just a railway connection, but it is a lifeline of transportation. Farmers and businesses of Mizoram can reach more markets across the nation.”Also read - Mizoram's first railway line: PM Modi inaugurates Rs 8,070 crore worth Bairabi–Sairang project; Rajdhani flagged off to link Aizawl with national networkHe added, “Northeast suffered heavily due to vote bank politics.

The Centre has been working for the development of the Northeast for the last 11 years, and today, this region is India’s growth engine.”

Rain disrupts plans as PM Modi lands in Manipur

From Aizawl, PM Modi flew into Imphal, where inclement weather again posed challenges. Heavy rainfall made helicopter travel unsafe, forcing the Prime Minister to make the journey to Churachandpur by road.Officials said the rally venue was about one-and-a-half hours away. Despite the conditions, PM Modi decided to proceed by road to ensure he could interact with the waiting crowd.Also read - PM Modi Manipur visit: Heavy rains force plan change; he travels by road to reach rally venue“Due to heavy rainfall, PM Narendra Modi’s helicopter could not arrive, so he decided to travel by road. While on his way to address people in Churachandpur, he received a grand welcome along the route,” BJP workers in Manipur said.Former chief minister N Biren Singh remarked on the turnout: “Despite heavy rains, you have all seen how a large number of people have gathered here. This shows the love people have for PM Modi and BJP.

Even in Churachandpur, there was a large gathering. Because of the bad weather, PM Modi went to Churachandpur via road. We have never seen a Prime Minister who has shown such a deep affection for Manipur.”

Outreach in Imphal: tributes to Manipur’s soldiers and freedom fighters

In Imphal, PM Modi used his speech to highlight Manipur’s contributions to India’s history, defence, and culture. Referring to the bravery of Manipuri soldiers, he said:“Many children of Manipur are engaged in protecting Mother India in different parts of the country.

Recently, the world has seen the power of the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor. Our soldiers wreaked such havoc that the Pakistani army started to panic. The valour of many brave sons and daughters of Manipur is also included in this success of India. Similarly, I salute the valour of our brave martyr Deepak Chingakham.

The country will always remember his sacrifice during Operation Sindoor.”The Prime Minister also linked Manipur’s cultural heritage to the broader Indian identity: “I had said that Indian culture is incomplete without Manipuri culture.

And without the players of Manipur, the sports of India are also incomplete. The youth of Manipur is a youth who gives his whole heart and soul for the pride of the tricolour.”He further emphasised Manipur’s role in the independence movement. “It was the land of Manipur where the Indian National Army hoisted the Indian flag for the first time. Netaji Subhash called Manipur the gateway to India’s freedom. This land has given many heroic sacrifices.

Our government is moving forward taking inspiration from every such great personality of Manipur.”

Development projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore inaugurated

The projects, he said, were part of a larger effort to accelerate Manipur’s growth. “Before 2014, the development rate of Manipur was less than one per cent. Now, Manipur is progressing many times faster than before. A new era of infrastructure development has begun. The pace of building roads and national highways in Manipur has also increased many times.

Work is also being done at a fast pace to reach every village here.

”

Call for peace amid ongoing unrest

PM Modi’s visit carried strong political weight, as it was his first since ethnic clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023. The conflict has left lasting scars on the state, affecting its economy, society, and political stability.In Churachandpur, the Prime Minister directly appealed to communities to put aside violence.

“Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. Therefore, we have to take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development and we have to do it together,” he said.He added, “I appeal to all the groups to move on the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure their children’s future. Today, I promise that I stand by your side. The Indian government stands with the people of Manipur.”Expressing optimism, PM Modi said: “Manipur has always been a land of hope, but unfortunately, it went through a difficult phase of violence. I met with the affected people who are living in camps. After an interaction with them, I can say ‘ummeed aur vishwas ki nayi subah Manipur mein dastak de rahi hai’ (a new dawn of hope and confidence is knocking on the doors of Manipur).”

Foundation stones laid for Rs 7,300 crore worth of projects in Churachandpur

Alongside his peace message, PM Modi laid the foundation for development projects worth more than Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur. These included:

During the event, locals presented him with traditional Zomie and Thadou Kuki shawls.

A young girl also gifted him a portrait, symbolising the warm welcome despite the state’s troubled backdrop.

Regional outreach: message to Nepal from Manipur stage

In an unusual cross-border reference, PM Modi also addressed Nepal while speaking in Imphal. He said:“Today, from this land of Manipur, I will also talk to my colleagues in Nepal. Nepal is a friend of India, a close friend. We are connected by shared history, by faith, and are moving forward together. Today, on behalf of the countrymen, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Smt.

Sushila ji on assuming charge as the Prime Minister of the interim government in Nepal. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal.

”Praising the youth of Nepal, he added: “For the last few days, young men and women of Nepal can be seen working hard to clean and paint the roads of Nepal. I have seen their pictures on social media as well. Their positive thinking and positive actions are not only inspiring but are also a clear indication of the new rise of Nepal.

I wish Nepal all the best for its bright future.”

PM Modi interacts with locals in Imphal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with locals in Imphal on Saturday as part of his Manipur visit, marking his first trip to the state since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. After addressing a public meeting in Churachandpur, he assured the people that the Centre stood firmly with them during these challenging times.Reiterating his call for harmony, PM Modi urged both Meitei and Kuki communities to put aside violence and work together to secure a peaceful future.

“I appeal to all the groups to move on the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure their children's future. Today, I promise that I stand by your side. The Indian government stands with the people of Manipur,” he said.

The Prime Minister described Manipur as a land of resilience and optimism, despite recent turmoil. “Manipur has always been a land of hope, but unfortunately, it went through a difficult phase of violence.

I met with the affected people who are living in camps. After an interaction with them, I can say ‘ummeed aur vishwas ki nayi subah Manipur mein dastak de rahi hai’ (a new dawn of hope and confidence is knocking on the doors of Manipur),” he added.

PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the recent dialogue and peace agreements signed with several ethnic groups in the state. He linked peace directly with prosperity, saying, “Peace is important for development in any region.

In the last 11 years, several conflicts in the North-East have ended. People have chosen the path of peace, giving priority to development. I am satisfied as agreement talks have begun with several groups in the hills and valleys.

This is a part of the government's initiative to establish peace with communication, respect and mutual understanding.”

Northeast as India’s growth engine

PM Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to the Northeast, positioning the region as central to India’s 21st-century growth story.

“Now this time of the 21st century is the time of the North East. Therefore, the Government of India has continuously given priority to the development of Manipur. As a result, the development rate of Manipur is constantly increasing,” he said.He also connected his vision with broader national progress: “Our economy has seen a growth of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025-26. It means India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. We are also seeing the growth of Make in India and exports.”