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PM Modi Likely to Visit Manipur on Sept 13. NH-2 Reopens Amid Fragile Peace

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
  • Sep 05, 2025
  • 561

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Manipur on September 13, with official confirmation awaited. The visit, expected to coincide with the inauguration of a railway project in Mizoram, will mark Modi’s first trip to Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.

First Visit Since Violence

The northeastern state has witnessed over 260 deaths and the displacement of thousands following clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Modi’s visit is being closely watched as a signal of the Centre’s renewed engagement with the troubled state.

No-Drone Zone in Churachandpur

In preparation for the high-profile visit, District Magistrate Dharun Kumar on Thursday declared Churachandpur district a no-drone zone. The order prohibits drones, UAVs, balloons, or any aerial device without prior government clearance. Churachandpur, a Kuki-majority district bordering Mizoram, has been at the heart of the unrest.

NH-2 Lifeline Reopens

Amid continuing tensions, a breakthrough came when the Kuki-Zo Council agreed to ensure safe passage on National Highway-2 (NH-2). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) confirmed that the council will cooperate with security forces to maintain peace on the vital route linking Imphal with Dimapur in Nagaland.

The highway—closed since the outbreak of violence—serves as a lifeline for Manipur, carrying food, medicines, fuel, and trade goods. It is also strategically crucial for the movement of troops and supplies across the Northeast.

However, the Kuki Zoological Council (KZC) disputed reports of a reopening, insisting in a press release that NH-2 was never officially closed. The conflicting statements underline the fragile trust between communities and authorities.

Suspension of Operations Agreement Renewed

On the same day, a tripartite meeting was held in Delhi between the Central Government, Manipur Government, and Kuki organizations—the Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF). The meeting resulted in the signing of a renewed Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement, effective for one year, with new terms and conditions aimed at tightening enforcement and ensuring accountability.

Ethnic Divide Behind the Violence

The current crisis stems from deep-rooted ethnic divides in Manipur, which has a population of 38 lakh divided among Meitei, Naga, and Kuki communities.

Trigger: The unrest began after the Manipur High Court recommended that the Meitei community—which dominates the Imphal valley—be considered for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meitei Argument: Meiteis argue they had tribal status before Manipur merged with India in 1949, and accuse Kukis of encouraging illegal migration, opium cultivation, and forest encroachment.

Tribal Opposition: Naga-Kuki groups oppose Meitei ST status, fearing loss of land and rights. They point out that 40 of Manipur’s 60 assembly seats are already in the Meitei-dominated valley.

Political Equation: Out of 12 chief ministers, only two have been from tribal communities, reinforcing perceptions of political marginalization.


Outlook

With NH-2 functioning again, a renewed SoO agreement in place, and Modi’s proposed visit on the horizon, authorities hope for a gradual return of normalcy. Yet, deep mistrust between communities, contested narratives, and the scars of last year’s violence mean peace remains precarious.