Daijiworld Media Network – Imphal

Imphal, Sep 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a powerful outreach to the people of Manipur, urging them to “build bridges of harmony between the hills and the valley” while unveiling projects worth Rs 8,500 crore to rebuild infrastructure and restore hope in the strife-torn state.

“Government of Bharat is making every possible effort to restore normalcy in Manipur. Today, I assure you, I am with you, the Government of Bharat is with the people of Manipur,” Modi said, stressing that reconciliation must replace resentment and that development must bridge the divide.

Defying heavy rain that grounded his helicopter, Modi travelled 60 km by road from Imphal to Churachandpur, where he met families displaced by the ethnic conflict, listened to their concerns, and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to peace and dignity. “The land and region of Manipur is a land of hope and promise… a new dawn of hope and confidence is awaiting Manipur,” he told a large gathering at Peace Ground.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the government is aiding construction of 7,000 new homes for displaced families and has approved a special package of nearly Rs 3,000 crore, with an additional Rs 500 crore to help those affected.

Modi’s visit comes after the Centre and Manipur government extended the Suspension of Operations agreement with Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), a step towards dialogue and reconciliation while reaffirming Manipur’s territorial integrity.

In Imphal, he laid out a broader national vision, linking Manipur’s growth to India’s future. “In the 21st century, India is moving forward with a singular goal—the goal of a developed India and achieving this goal requires the development of Manipur,” Modi said, envisioning Imphal as one of India’s developed cities under the Smart City Mission.

“Manipur is the crown jewel adorning the crest of Mother India,” he added, calling violence in the state a grave injustice to both ancestors and future generations. Remembering Manipur’s role in the freedom struggle, he paid homage to the Indian National Army and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who called the state the gateway to India’s independence.

Assuring that both the Centre and the state are moving forward with the goal of making Manipur a symbol of peace and progress, Modi said rapid infrastructure growth is underway, with the pace of road construction and National Highway expansion increasing manifold to connect every village.

“The 21st century belongs to the East and the NorthEast,” he declared, reaffirming the Centre’s unwavering focus on Manipur’s development and promising continued cooperation to resettle displaced people and establish lasting peace.