IMPHAL, July 4: Manipur Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh on Friday clarified that no official confirmation has been received regarding a potential visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the conflict-ridden state.
Responding to media queries on the sidelines of the 2nd Foundation Day of the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST), Singh addressed the widespread speculation about a possible high-level visit by the Prime Minister. “There is no official communication so far,” he said. His remarks come amid criticism from various sections of Manipur society over the Centre’s perceived inaction and the Prime Minister’s prolonged absence from the state, which has been facing a prolonged ethnic crisis since May 3, 2023.
Singh noted that several development projects in Manipur and other northeastern states have been completed and are pending formal inauguration.
Singh also announced a significant step in the state’s recovery strategy. He stated that the government will begin a three-phase rehabilitation programme from July, with the objective of closing all relief camps by December.
“If displaced families are unable to return to their homes by the deadline, they will be allotted newly built pre-fabricated housing units,” Singh said. He added that the phased rehabilitation will proceed in July, October, and December respectively.
The conflict, which erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has led to over 260 deaths, more than 1,500 injuries, and the displacement of over 70,000 people. As of now, government data indicates that the number of IDPs has reduced to 57,000, with many families already returning to their original homes.
To assist the remaining displaced, the state is constructing an additional 1,000 pre-fabricated shelters. Singh emphasized the importance of restoring dignity and stability to those still in camps.
In parallel, the Chief Secretary informed that a team from UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India), Guwahati, will visit the state to supervise Aadhaar documentation, including the issuance of Bal Aadhaar for children and updating records for adults.
