With a message of peace and development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited trouble-hit Manipur amid adverse weather. Addressing a public rally in capital city Imphal PM Modi said, “Manipur has immense potential. We must continuously strengthen dialogue to build a strong bridge of harmony between the hills and the valley.” The government is working to ensure peace and stability in Manipur, he said. The PM further said that Manipur is the crown jewel on the crown of Mother India. Netaji Subhash had called Manipur the gateway to India’s freedom. This land has given many brave martyrs. Our government is moving forward taking inspiration from every such great personality of Manipur. We are working with the goal of making Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress, the PM added.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur in Manipur. Addressing the gathering at the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that the land of Manipur is a land of courage and determination and highlighted that the hills of Manipur are a priceless gift of nature. He further stated that these hills also symbolize the continuous hard work of the people. Saluting the spirit of the people of Manipur, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the people for coming in such large numbers and thanked them for their affection.
Highlighting that the culture, traditions, diversity, and vibrancy of this region are a major strength of India, Shri Modi remarked that the very name “Manipur” contains the word “Mani,” symbolising a jewel that will enhance the brilliance of the entire North East in the times to come. The Prime Minister stated that the Government of India has consistently worked to accelerate Manipur’s development journey. He said that in this spirit, he had come among the people of Manipur today. PM Modi informed that projects worth approximately Rs 7,000 crore were inaugurated, which will improve the lives of the people of Manipur, especially the tribal communities living in the hills. He stated that the projects will create new facilities in health and education for the region and extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Manipur and Churachandpur on these new initiatives. Underscoring that in recent years, Rs 3,700 crore has already been spent on National Highways in the region, PM Modi informed that new highway projects worth Rs 8,700 crore are progressing rapidly. “Under our government, rail connectivity in Manipur is being expanded, the Jiribam–Imphal railway line will soon connect the capital Imphal to the national rail network”, stated the Prime Minister, highlighting that the government is investing Rs 22,000 crore in this project. “India is developing rapidly and will soon become the world’s third-largest economy.
Our constant effort is to ensure the benefits of development reach every corner of the country”, emphasised PM Modi. He recalled that there was a time when announcements made in Delhi would take decades to reach regions like Manipur. He remarked that today, Churachandpur and Manipur are progressing alongside the rest of the nation. “The land and region of Manipur is a soil of hope and aspiration”, stated the Prime Minister remarking that unfortunately, violence had gripped this remarkable area. He said that a short while ago, he met with affected individuals residing in camps. Following his interaction, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is arriving in Manipur.
“Establishing peace is essential for development in any region and over the past eleven years, many long-standing conflicts and disputes in the North East have been resolved”, highlighted the Prime Minister. He remarked that people have chosen the path of peace and prioritized development. Modi expressed satisfaction that recently, dialogue has taken place with various groups in the hills and valley regions. He stated that these efforts are part of the Government of India’s approach, which emphasizes dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding to establish peace. The Prime Minister appealed to all organizations to move forward on the path of peace and fulfill their aspirations. He affirmed his support, stating that he stands with the people and that the Government of India is with Manipur.
Affirming that the Government of India is making every possible effort to bring life in Manipur back on track, PM Modi informed that the government is providing support to build 7,000 new houses for families who have been displaced. The Prime Minister announced that a special package of approximately Rs 3,000 crore has recently been approved. He added that Rs500 crore has been specially allocated to assist displaced individuals. “We are working with the goal of making Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress”, affirmed the Prime Minister. He concluded by assuring the people that for Manipur’s development, for the resettlement of displaced families, and for the establishment of peace, the Government of India will continue to support the Manipur government in every possible way. Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla was present among other dignitaries at the event.
