Imphal, Sept 6: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to visit Manipur on September 13 for the first time since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023, Manipur Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar has urged the Prime Minister to use the opportunity to meet all 59 MLAs of the state and take decisive steps to resolve the prolonged ethnic strife.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Lokeshwar said, “The Prime Minister must not only visit but also ensure a solution to the crisis. He must meet all legislators and chalk out a practical and inclusive plan for peace.”
The MLA from Khundrakpam constituency also called for urgent measures to ensure safe passage along National Highway 2, especially through the Kangpokpi section, which has become a flashpoint amid the ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
He also said the government must ensure that no one is harmed if Meitei people pass through the Kangpokpi section of the National Highway 2.
Lokeshwar’s comments follow open declarations by certain Kuki groups, including the Village Volunteers Coordinating Committee, stating that Meiteis would not be allowed to enter Kuki-dominated areas, raising fears of potential flashpoints along the route.
The Congress MLA further urged PM Modi not to limit his itinerary to just Imphal and Churachandpur, but to visit all violence-affected areas, including Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kangpokpi districts, where the aftermath of the conflict is still visible.
Meanwhile, Imphal is witnessing large-scale preparations ahead of the high-profile visit. Renovation and beautification work is ongoing at the Imphal International Airport, with heightened security in place. The airport authority has issued a travel advisory urging passengers to arrive early due to increased screening and movement restrictions.
The historic Kangla Fort, one of the venues likely to host the Prime Minister, is also undergoing significant upgrades. More than 200 workers, brought in from outside the state, are constructing a custom-designed triangular stage platform for the planned event.
