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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted that Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika's songs continue to unite India and give energy to its people.

Addressing the musical doyen's birth centenary celebrations, Modi said his creations encompass the concept of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'.

“Bhupen da may not be present physically, but his voice gives energy to people. His songs unite India. His music encompasses the concept of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'. He was rooted in the cultural traditions of India,” the PM said. --PTI

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) submitted a memorandum to the PM Narendra Modi during his visit to Churachandpur, demanding a “lasting political solution” in the form of a “separate administration”.

The Prime Minister visited Manipur for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023.

The KZC, a leading civil society organisation, argued that the hill-based Kuki-Zo people could no longer live under the “domination” of the valley-based polity and sought Union Territory (UT) status with a legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution for their region.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang rail line, connecting Aizawl to Indian Railways for the first time. He also announced development works worth Rs 9,000 crore and flagged off three new express trains. The state's role in Act East Policy and North East Economic Corridor was highlighted. PM Modi praised the culture and announced GST reforms. The 51.38-km line has opened new opportunities.

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While concluding his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "In the 21st century, our country is moving forward with one objective - Viksit Bharat. And Manipur's development is integral for the fulfilment of this objective. Manipur is full of immense possibilities."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal's first female PM, calling it a shining example of women's empowerment. "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. Sushila ji's taking oath as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a very good example of women's empowerment," he said.

He praised Nepalese citizens for upholding democratic values. "Today, I praise each such individual in Nepal who, despite such atmosphere of instability, has upheld democratic values...For the last few days, Nepal's youth can be seen working hard to clean and paint the roads of Nepal. I have also seen their pictures on social media. Their positive thinking and positive work are not only inspiring but also a clear indication of Nepal's new rise. I wish Nepal all the best for its bright future," he said.

"From the last few days, young men and women of Nepal can be seen cleaning and painting the roads of Nepal with great hard work. I have also seen their pictures on social media. Their positive thinking and positive work 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," he added.

"Even today, several sons of Manipur are engaged in protecting mother India in different parts of the country. During Operation Sindoor, the world saw India’s capabilities. Indian forces unleashed such havoc that Pakistan began running for cover. In this operation, the courage and bravery of many sons and daughters of Manipur was also a part. I salute the bravery and sacrifice of one such martyr, Deepak Chingakham, today. The country will always remember his sacrifice during Operation Sindoor," PM Modi said.

"We have to take inspiration from the contribution that Manipur has made in India’s freedom struggle. It was in Manipur that Indian National Army for the first time unfurled India’s flag. Netaji Subhas had called Manipur the door to India’s freedom. This land has made many brave sacrifices. Our government is moving forward drawing inspiration from the people of this land," PM Modi said.

"In Andaman and Nicobar, we have changed the name of Mount Harriot to Mount Manipur," he added.

"Manipur has a cultural heritage of thousands of years. Cultural roots are strong and deep here. Manipur is the jewel of India. We have to continuously keep reinforcing Manipur’s developmental image. Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. It is an injustice to Manipur’s forefathers and the future generations. We have to continuously take Manipur ahead on the road of peace and progress. And we have to do it together," said PM Modi

PM Narendra Modi said, "Manipur has seen those days when making goods reach here was so difficult. Things of daily needs were out of reach of the people. We have dealt with that problem now. To make your life better and easy, we have decreased GST rates. These will decrease the price of things of daily needs. Prices of cement and building material is going to go down. New GST rates will also benefit hoteliers and guesthouse owners."

PM Narendra Modi said, "Many from Manipur go to Delhi and Kolkata. So that people can stay at cheap rates, Manipur bhawans have been built there."

"Our government is working with all sensitivity, to deal with your problems. Government is working on several projects to deal with floods," he added.

"Manipur is one state where women are at the forefront of the economy. The IMA Kaithal tradition is an evidence of that. I consider women power as the fulcrum of India’s growth and Atmanirbhar Bharat. After our government came to power, we started setting up Ima markets here. We have inaugurated four Ima markets today. They will help women citizens of the state," he said.

PM Modi said, "A new era of infrastructure development has been ushered into Manipur. Work is on to improve road networks both in urban and rurak areas. Imphal city is a city of possibilities. I see Imphal as a city that will realise the dreams of the youth and controibute to the country’s growth."

"With that vision, under the smart city mission, several projects have been completed. Projects worth hudreds of cxorers are in the works. Be it Imphal or other areas of Manipur, new opportunities are coming up for startups and new industries. IT special economic zone will help such possibilities. The first building of this zone has already been built. The new secretariat building has also been built," he added.

"After independence, development happened in western and southern india, youth got opportunities. This 21st century is of the east, the north east. That is why government has always prioritised development of Manipur. That is why Manipur’s growth rate is continuously increasing. Before 2014, the growth rate of Manipur was less than 1%. Now Manipur is growing at a much faster pace," PM Modi said.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, "For Manipur's development funds worths 1000s of crores have been allocated for projects across the state. These projects will enhance your ease of living, help strengthen infrastructure and generate employment for the youth."

"The Prime Minister highlighted to of the most important projects under the umbrella of development works across the state - Manipur Urban Road Project and Manipur Infotech Development Project worth over Rs 3,600 crores and Rs 500 crores, respectively," he added.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday said it was a historic day as the state entered the country's railway map, which will have a far-reaching impact as it bridges the dreams and reality between the state and Bharat.

He was addressing a gathering as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Mizoram's first railway line and flagged off the state's maiden Rajdhani Express, connecting Aizawl with Delhi. (PTI)

Activists of the youth wings of the Congress and Manipur Peoples' Party (MPP) held demonstrations near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's programme venue in Imphal on Saturday, protesting against the PM's trip to the strife-torn state and terming it a “political ploy”.

Holding placards, the workers of the Manipur Peoples' Party Youth Front raised slogans outside its office here and claimed that the PM's visit is “not aimed at restoration of peace and normalcy” in the state. (PTI)

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday urged the people of Churachandpur not to allow illegal settlements of "people beyond the borders", asserting that the government was committed to taking effective steps to address this challenge.

Addressing a public meeting in Churachandpur, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore, Bhalla said he was confident that Manipur will emerge more resilient, united and prosperous. — PTI

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.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur for the first time since ethnic violence hit the state in May 2023, the Congress on Saturday called it a “farce, tokenism, and a grave insult to a wounded people”.

Over the last two years, the Congress has repeatedly demanded that the prime minister visit Manipur, with the party even raising the issue of Modi’s “silence” in Parliament on multiple occasions.

On Saturday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said PM Modi’s “3-hour pit stop in Manipur is not compassion”, but is “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,” said Kharge in a post on X.

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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, said that local body governance is being strengthened in the state.

"It is government’s effort that local body governance is strengthened. Appropriate funds are being arranged for the development of local bodies. The development of every tribal community is a priority for the country," Modi said.

"For the first time a programme, Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, for the upliftment of tribals is being run. Under this, development works are being carried out in more than 500 villages in Manipur," he added.

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, said that work is being done to establish peace in the violence-hit district.

"At any place, peace is imperative for development. In the past 11 years, decades-old disputes in the Northeast have been resolved. People have chosen the path of peace. They have given priority to development," he said.

"I am happy that recently, a dialogue has been started with different groups for reconciliation in the hills and the Valley. The Indian government is a part of these efforts, working to establish peace, while giving importance to dialogue, respect and mutual understanding," 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 that Manipur and its district Churachandpur are developing along with the country.

"India is growing fast. We are going to become the third largest economy in the world very soon. We want development to reach every corner of the country. There was a time when announcements would be made in Delhi and it would take decades for it to reach here. Today Churachandpur and Manipur is developing along with the country," he said.

Hailing his government's work in Manipur, he said, "The PM Away Yojana scheme has reached thousands of families in Manipur as well. As many as 60,000 houses have been built under this here. There used to be a power problem here. Now, 1 lakh families have been given free power connection. There was drinking water problem. So we started Nal Jal scheme. More than 15 crore countrymen have now got this facility. In Manipur, only 25-3000 people had water connection. Now 3.5 lakh households have it. I am sure every household will get it in time."

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 addressed a public gathering in Manipur's Churachandpur district, following his interaction with people displaced due to ethnic violence over the past two years.

Referring to Manipur as the land of courage and valour, Modi said, "I can never forget the love I received on my way to Churachandpur from Imphal by road."

"This land of Manipur is a land of courage and grit. These hills are a gift of the nature. They are also a symbol of your hardwork. Because of heavy rainfall, my helicopter could not take off, so I took the road. What I saw on the roads, I thanked the Almighty that I came by road. Throughout the route, I saw Indian tricolour in the hands of the people.

The vibrancy and diversity of this region is India’s strength. Manipur’s name itself has Mani (jewel). In future, this will only increase the shine of the region. We are committed to take Manipur on the road to development," Modi told the gathering.

"The projects worth Rs 7,000 crore that were just inaugurated will make the lives of the people of Manipur better. These will build new facilities of health and education," 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 Saturday laid the foundation stone for various development works in Manipur's Churachandpur district, news agency PTI reported.

The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others, as per ANI report.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently being welcomed in Manipur's Churachandpur district as he arrives in the city by road on Saturday.

The PM will lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur today. The projects include Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others.

(ANI Video)

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.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur has been welcomed by the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo, their statements have been framed in contrasting ways.

While the Kuki-Zo have welcomed the revised Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with Kuki militant groups signed on September 4, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society organisation, has condemned it.

Moreover, Kuki-Zo groups have also demanded that their areas be made a Union Territory, while COCOMI has demanded a National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the detection of illegal immigrants to correct what it sees as a “demographic imbalance”, labelling the demand for a separate administration as “ethnicisation” that can lead to “Balkanisation” or fragmentation of the region.

Here's how their demands differ.

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, hailed the work of his government in the Northeast, saying that the region is becoming the growth engine of India.

"For a long time, some political parties in our country practised vote bank politics… The entire Northeast including states like Mizoram suffered greatly because of this attitude. But our approach is very different. Those who were earlier neglected are at the forefront now. Those who were once marginalized are the mainstream now. For the past 11 years, we have been working for the development of Northeast. This region is becoming the growth engine of India. Over the years, many states of the Northeast have been put on the rail map of India," he said.

"Mizoram has a major role in both our Act East policy and the emerging north east economic corridor. With the Kaladan multi modal transit transport project and railway line, Mizoram will also get connected to the Bay of Bengal through Southeast Asia. Due to this, trade and tourism will be boosted across Northeast India and Southeast Asia," he added.

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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s itinerary in Mizoram was affected by inclement weather conditions, leading him to deliver his address through video conference, and virtually inaugurate the Bairabi-Sairang Railway line from Lengpui Airport, which is around 30 km from state capital Aizawl.

Addressing a gathering virtually from the airport, Modi said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you all, and welcome Aizawl to the railway map of India. Today, due to the weather, I could not come to Aizawl, but I am sure we will meet very soon.”

His next stop, Churachandpur in Imphal, where is scheduled to reach by a helicopter from Mizoram, is also experiencing rainfall.

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