Imphal, September 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Manipur on September 13, marking his first trip to the violence-hit state since the ethnic unrest that erupted in May 2023. According to official sources, the Prime Minister will begin his visit in Churachandpur, where he will meet with internally displaced persons (IDPs), before flying to Imphal by helicopter to briefly address the public at the historic Kangla Fort.
The visit is being viewed as politically significant, coinciding with rising internal pressure within the BJP to restore a popular government in Manipur. Insiders suggest that the Prime Minister’s presence may serve as a catalyst for key decisions regarding governance and law and order, especially in light of mounting criticism over the state’s prolonged instability.
In a move reflecting the urgency of the situation, 23 BJP MLAs, led by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and BJP state president A. Sharda Devi, met with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan on Sunday. The closed-door meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes, reportedly focused on ensuring that Modi’s visit proceeds smoothly and leaves a strong political message. Notably, Assembly Speaker T. Satyabrata Singh — seen as a potential rival to Biren Singh for the CM’s post — was also present, highlighting the party’s ongoing internal deliberations over leadership.
Preparations for the visit are in full swing across the state capital. The Imphal International Airport has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to arrive early due to heightened security. Kangla Fort, the site of the Prime Minister’s address, is undergoing rapid renovation, with over 200 workers brought in from outside the state to set up a triangular stage platform and other logistics.
Security has been significantly tightened, with multiple layers of surveillance, round-the-clock deployment of forces, and strict checks at public entry points. Visitors to Kangla Fort are being frisked, and two metal detectors have been installed at the entrance.
