NEW DELHI, March 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively working toward a long-term resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Friday.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave, Rijiju expressed optimism about peace returning to Manipur, emphasizing the government’s focused and detailed approach in addressing the issue. He highlighted Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to the state as part of the government’s peace efforts.

Rijiju dismissed opposition demands for PM Modi’s visit to Manipur, arguing that what truly matters is the Prime Minister’s deep understanding of the issue, not merely a visit and statement.

“What do you mean by the prime minister visiting a place where there is a problem? The prime minister should know the problem. That is more important. Visiting and making a statement is another thing. This is the only prime minister who has gone to the root to ensure that the problem that is faced by the people of Manipur will be settled and solved forever,” Rijiju said.

The minister pointed out that in previous instances of violence in Manipur, only a joint secretary-level official would visit for a day. However, under the current administration, Amit Shah stayed in Manipur for four days, directly appealing for peace and conflict resolution.

“I am very hopeful that with the hands-on approach of the prime minister and the home minister, we all are equally focused on addressing the issue,” Rijiju added.

Following the imposition of President’s Rule in the state, Governor Anusuiya Uikey has already made an appeal for surrendering arms, and according to Rijiju, weapons are being surrendered, signaling positive developments.

Rijiju attributed the BJP’s growing influence in the Northeast over the past decade to the appeal of Modi’s vision for the region. Taking a dig at the Congress, he claimed that what the Congress could not achieve in 65 years, the BJP has accomplished in just 10 years.