Before Modi’s Manipur visit, MLAs told to ensure their areas remain calm, tentative itinerary shared

PM expected to visit Kuki-Zo-majority Churachandpur before heading to Imphal, may announce relief package

It has also been communicated that the Prime Minister is likely to meet representatives of people displaced by the conflict. (File Photo)

Ahead of the proposed visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur, his first since the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state began in May 2023, ruling alliance MLAs have been told by Governor Ajay Bhalla to engage with their constituencies to minimise tensions before such a visit, The Indian Express has learnt.

While there is yet to be an official announcement on the Prime Minister’s visit, Governor Bhalla convened a meeting of the ruling alliance MLAs in Raj Bhavan on Sunday, which was attended by more than 20 legislators, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Speaker Th Satyabrata Singh, as well as Manipur BJP chief A Sharda Devi.

In the meeting, The Indian Express has learnt that the MLAs were told about a tentative itinerary for a visit on May 13, following the Prime Minister’s engagement in Mizoram earlier in the day.

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They were told that he would visit Kuki-Zo-majority Churachandpur at noon, for which preparations are being made at Peace Ground. From there, he is expected to take a helicopter by 2 pm and land at Kangla Fort in Imphal, where he is expected to make an address. He is then expected to leave for Imphal Airport by 3:30 pm to head for his scheduled visit to Assam.

It has also been communicated that the Prime Minister is likely to meet representatives of people displaced by the conflict and that all MLAs are likely to be invited and be seated in a VIP enclosure audience in Kangla Fort, and not on the dais with the Prime Minister.

The MLAs have been asked to spread the word in their respective constituencies to avoid any disturbance during the course of the visit.

Sources indicated that it is expected that the Prime Minister will announce a rehabilitation package for the strife-torn state.

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