Imphal, September 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Manipur on September 13, marking his first trip to the state since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. During his visit, he is expected to address two major rallies, one in Churachandpur and another in Imphal, amid heightened preparations and security measures.

In Churachandpur, a gathering of around 9,000 people is anticipated at the Peace Ground, where the Prime Minister will deliver a speech and interact briefly with internally displaced persons (IDPs). The district administration has declared the area a “no drone zone” for the duration of the event to ensure security. Civil society groups are also planning to submit memorandums to the Prime Minister, urging action on key issues.

Later, Modi is set to visit Imphal, where arrangements are underway for a large rally at the historic Kangla Fort, with a capacity of 15,000 attendees. Beautification works are being carried out at Imphal International Airport and within the Kangla campus in preparation for the visit, while security forces have been placed on high alert, ensuring round-the-clock surveillance.

While the visit is officially described as a government engagement, BJP workers in the state are planning a grand welcome for the Prime Minister, aiming to make the rally a show of political strength. However, opposition parties and civil society organizations have expressed concerns, urging Modi to move beyond symbolic gestures and focus on concrete measures to address the ongoing ethnic conflict.

Congress leaders have called for the Prime Minister to take decisive steps to resolve the crisis, ensuring that any actions do not compromise the state’s territorial and administrative integrity. As of now, the official confirmation of the Prime Minister’s itinerary is still awaited.