Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Sep 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated 17 key infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,200 crore in Manipur from the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, calling for unity and collective effort to drive the state’s development forward. He said that ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) will be reinforced with ‘Viksit Manipur’ (Developed Manipur).
Without directly naming the ethnic clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities, the Prime Minister acknowledged that any form of violence in Manipur is unfortunate and said “united efforts are very important” for peace and prosperity. Modi stressed the need to bridge the gap between the valley and the hills, indicating a push for social harmony and balanced development.
He noted that the past 11 years have marked a new era of development in Manipur, contrasting it with the slow progress before 2014. Inaugurating the new Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri in Imphal West district, he said the facility will improve administrative efficiency and citizen services. He also inaugurated Manipur Bhawans in Delhi (Dwarka) and Kolkata (Salt Lake), which are expected to ease the travel and accommodation needs of Manipuris visiting these cities.
The projects unveiled include the Civil Secretariat and Police Headquarters in Imphal, Manipur Bhawans in New Delhi and Kolkata, four all-women 'Ima Markets' at Tengnoupal, Noney, Pallel, and Moirang, a four-lane bridge over the Irang River in Noney district, Phase-II development of the Western River Front along the Imphal River, a Special Economic Zone building at Mantripukhri, an Eklavya Model Residential School in Tokpa village, and the Loktak Project in Churachandpur district.
Modi praised the economic role of Manipuri women and said the new Ima Markets would empower them. He also highlighted upcoming GST reforms effective from September 22 that will reduce construction costs and hotel taxes, making tourism more affordable. This, he said, would benefit tourism hubs like the Northeast.
The Prime Minister recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose first hoisted the tricolour in Moirang, Manipur, during the freedom struggle, and noted the symbolic renaming of Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur in honour of Manipuri freedom fighters.
He acknowledged Manipur’s pivotal contribution to Indian sports and said the National Sports University was established in the state in recognition of that legacy. He added that India's emergence as a sporting powerhouse will owe much to the talent and dedication of Manipuri athletes.
After the event in Imphal, the Prime Minister proceeded to Guwahati to participate in the birth centenary celebration of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika.