Modi’s Manipur Visit: Call for Peace Amidst Deep Divides

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Manipur
• Sep 13, 2025
• 532

After two years of turbulence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Manipur on Saturday with a dual message—development and peace. While the immediate agenda showcased projects worth over ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur and ₹1,200 crore in Imphal, political observers believe the visit carries far greater significance than economic announcements alone.

Background of Unrest

Since May 2023, Manipur has been reeling under violent clashes between the hill-dwelling Kuki community and the valley-based Meiteis. The ethnic conflict has led to bloodshed, displacement of thousands, and a complete breakdown of trust. Both communities have virtually sealed off access to each other’s territories, deepening the divide.

Against this backdrop, Modi’s choice to address both Churachandpur (a Kuki stronghold) and Imphal (a Meitei base) in a single visit was a calculated political move, signaling that the Centre intends to give equal weight to both sides of the divide.

Political Significance

Analysts point out that Modi’s Manipur tour is not merely developmental but a balancing act in a politically fragile landscape.

The Kukis in the hills and the Meiteis in the valley represent two crucial vote banks for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The ongoing violence has damaged the BJP’s image in the state, with opposition parties consistently attacking the Centre for its prolonged silence.

Seen in this light, Modi’s message of “peace through development” is also a bid to rebuild public trust ahead of electoral battles.

Symbolism and Message

By calling Manipur the “jewel in the crown of Mother India,” the Prime Minister emphasized the state’s cultural and strategic importance. Visiting relief camps, extending solidarity with displaced families, and urging reconciliation between the hills and the valley, Modi positioned development as the prerequisite for lasting peace.

The Road Ahead

While the visit may have generated immediate goodwill, the deeper question remains: can entrenched mistrust between Kukis and Meiteis truly be bridged? Political experts argue that only sustained engagement, confidence-building measures, and inclusive governance will determine whether Modi’s initiative becomes a model for peace in the Northeast—or whether the glitter of development projects fades in the smoke of continuing violence.