Violence overshadowed Manipur, peace essential for development: PM Modi in first visit to state after 2023 ethnic violence

Addressing a gathering in Churachandpur, the Prime Minister said, "The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence had cast its shadow on this beautiful region. A short while ago, I met those affected who are living in relief camps. After meeting them, I can say with confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is rising in Manipur.

"For development to take root anywhere, peace is essential. In the past eleven years, many conflicts and disputes in the Northeast have been resolved. People have chosen the path of peace and given priority to development."

Modi expressed full support to the people of Manipur underling the beginning of negotiations between various groups in the state, where clashes between Kuki and Meitei groups broke out a couple of years ago.

"We are satisfied that recently in the hills and valleys... negotiations have taken place for agreements with different groups. These are part of the efforts of the Government of India... in which work is being done to establish peace while giving importance to dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding.

"I would appeal to all organisations to move forward on the path of peace and fulfill their dreams. I am with you... the Government of India is with the people of Manipur," the Prime Minister, who met the victims of the ethnic violence on Saturday, said.

The PM met people who were displaced after losing their homes due to the ethnic clash.

In some of the visuals, Modi was seen having light-hearted interactions with kids in Churachandpur, to where he travelled by road from his previous stop, Mizoram.

He also laid the foundation stone of the projects including roads, highways worth Rs. 7,300 crore at Churachandpur.

The unrest in the state, which is now under President's rule, is mainly between the Meitei community (majority in the Imphal Valley) and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities (in the hill regions).

As per latest estimation, over 250 people have been killed in the clash.

On February 9, 2025, erstwhile Chief Minister N. Biren. Singh stepped down amid growing dissent within the Prime Minister's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies over the handling of the situation.

Causes /Triggers

Ethnic tensions and identity politics

Demands by some Meitei groups for Scheduled Tribe status, which tribes felt would threaten their traditional privileges.

Land, livelihood, demographics

Competition for land, jobs, and resources. Worries about demographic shifts, and claims by hill communities of marginalization.

Political triggers and mistrust

Court orders, protests, counter‐protests, blockades etc escalated things. Also distrust in government responses and administrative missteps.

Congress slams Modi's Manipur visit

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the PM's Manipur visit and posted on X, "Your 3-hour PIT STOP in Manipur is not compassion — it’s farce, tokenism, and a grave insult to a wounded people.

"Your so-called ROADSHOW in Imphal and Churachandpur today, is nothing but a cowardly escape from hearing the cries of people in relief camps!"

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had said earlier, ""Manipur is having issues for a long time. It's fine that he (Narendra Modi) is visiting the state. But now 'vote chori' is the main issue in the country. 

"The elections in Haryana and Maharashtra were stolen. We have given proof of 'vote chori' in Karnataka as well. Everywhere people are saying 'vote chor'."