PM Modi in Manipur: PM says any violence in Manipur ‘unfortunate’, shares a message for Nepal’s youth

With the inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line today, Mizoram has now been officially connected to the country’s rail network.

Along with three new passenger trains linking Aizawl to Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati, the Ministry of Railways is also set to launch freight train services. This will reduce logistics costs and enhance trade opportunities.

Mizoram’s first goods train will commence operations tomorrow, September 14 (Sunday). With this, the region will be benefitted from the transportation of cement, steel, and household goods via the new railway line, making these products more affordable. 

Here's all you need to know.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the people of Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Saturday, said that educational facilities are being increased in tribal areas of the district, underlining that the government's goal is to make Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress.

"The number of Eklavya Model Schools is being increased in tribal areas. Even in Manipur, 18 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are being built," he said, adding they will "increase educational facilities in the hills."

He further said, "Manipur’s culture has been one to promote women power. Our government too is engaged in empowering women. The government is also building working women hostel."

"We have a goal to make Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress. I assure you that for the development of Manipur, to rehabilitate the displaced, for establishing peace, the government of India will keep cooperating with the Manipur government. I once again congratulate all of you for the development projects inaugurated today," he concluded.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the people of Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Saturday, appealed to them and their organisations to move ahead on the path of peace.

"I appeal to all organisations to move on the path of peace, and realise your dreams. Ensure the future of your children. And I promise to you today: I am with you," he told the gathering.

"The government of India is with you, with the people of Manipur. The government is making all efforts to bring back normalcy to Manipur. The government is providing assistance to build 7000 homes for the displaced," Modi highlighted

"Recently we have approved a special package of Rs 3000 crore to help the displaced, Rs 500 crore has been specially provisioned. I am aware of the dreams and struggles of the tribal youth of Manipur. To address your concerns, work is happening at different levels," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the people of Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Saturday, assured them that a new dawn of hope is "knocking on the doors of Manipur."

Describing the benefits of his schemes in tribal districts in Manipur, Modi said, "Tribal hill districts would earlier dream of good hospitals and colleges. Today, Churachandpur has a medical college. New doctors are coming, and healthcare has improved. We have given medical colleges to the hills. Under the PM's Divine scheme, we are developing modern healthcare in five hill districts. Under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, government is giving free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to people. In Manipur, 5 lakh people have availed of the scheme. If this scheme was not there, the poor in Manipur would have had to spent Rs 350 crore from their pocket. It is our priority to take care of the problems of poor."

"This land of Manipur is the land of hope and aspirations. But, unfortunately, violence took over this magnificent region. I met those victims a few moments ago who are living in camps. After talking to them, I can say that the new dawn of hope and belief is knocking on the doors of Manipur," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the people of Manipur's Churachandpur district on Saturday, said, "Manipur is a border state. Connectivity has been a challenge here. Because of paucity of good roads, people have faced problems. After 2014, I have laid emphasis that work is done on Manipur’s connectivity."

"For this, we worked at two levels. We increased the budget of rail and roads. We laid stress on taking roads to both towns and villages. We have spent Rs 3,700 crore on national highways here. Another Rs 8,700 crore are being spent on new national highways. Earlier it was very difficult to reach villages. Now, roads reach 100s of villages. Hill and tribal villages have benefited with this," Modi told the gathering.

He also announced that the Jiribam-Imphal railway line will soon connect Imphal to the national railway network. "The Jiribam-Imphal railway line will soon connect Imphal to national rail network. The government is spending Rs 22,000 crore on this project. Moreover, Rs 400 crore worth Imphal airport is giving new heights to air connectivity. These are also creating new employment opportunities for the youth," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday arrived in Manipur’s Churachandpur district and interacted with people displaced due to the ethnic violence at Peace Ground, news agency PTI reported quoting officials.

Modi listened to the concerns of the families of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and assured them of the Centre’s commitment to restore peace and normalcy in the state, they told PTI.

The PM also laid the foundation stone of various development works in the district.

Modi will visit the headquarters of the Kuki-Zo majority Churachandpur district, and later proceed to Imphal, the state capital located in the Meitei majority valley, at 2 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit comes amid a fragile calm on the ground and persistent criticism from the Opposition over what they call the government’s initial silence and hesitance in dealing with the crisis.

With Manipur still under President’s Rule and peace talks delicately balanced, Modi’s words and actions during the trip will be closely scrutinised.

For Modi, the upcoming visit carries political and symbolic weight. His absence from Manipur since the outbreak has been a persistent line of attack from the Opposition, which has accused him of “abandoning” the state in its worst crisis in decades. By travelling now, more than two years after the first clashes, the Prime Minister seeks to project a narrative of restored calm and reinforce the Centre’s role as guarantor of peace.

Here's why this visit is significant.

Owing to heavy rainfall in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday flew to Imphal from Mizoram, and is currently on his way to Churchandpur via road for his event there.

His earlier plan entailed flying via helicopter from Mizoram to Churachandpur, and then travelling to Imphal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Churachandpur in Manipur at around 11:30 am, where he will visit the headquarters of the Kuki-Zo majority Churachandpur district, and later proceed to Imphal, the state capital located in the Meitei majority valley, at 2 pm.

He is scheduled to interact with people displaced by the conflict and make public addresses, as part of which he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for various projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a gathering virtually in Aizawl, said, "This is a historic day for the nation, particularly for the people of Mizoram. From today, Aizawl will be on India’s railway map. A few years ago, I had the opportunity of laying the foundation stone for the Aizawl railway line and today, we proudly dedicate it to the people of the nation. Overcoming many challenges including difficult terrain, this Bairabi-Saayirang railw line has become a reality, The skills of our engineers and the spirit of our workers make it possible."

"Our hearts have always been connected with each other. Now, for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be connected directly to Delhi by Rajdhani Express. This is not just a railway connection. But it is a lifeline of transformation. It will revolutionaize the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram," he said as he inaugurated the railway line.

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