Churachandpur, September 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹7,300 crore in Churachandpur district, while calling on armed groups and organisations in Manipur to renounce violence and embrace dialogue, asserting that his government was committed to making the state a “symbol of peace and prosperity.”
On his first visit to Manipur since the ethnic clashes of May 2023, the Prime Minister said the Centre’s consistent peace efforts had enabled talks between the two warring sides. “It is unfortunate that violence happened here. Today, I want to promise you that the Government of India is with you and I am with you. I appeal to all groups and organisations to choose the path of peace,” he said.
Emphasising that peace was the foundation for development, Modi noted that the Centre had significantly raised investments in road, rail, and air connectivity in Manipur since 2014. “I have given special emphasis on improving connectivity in Manipur. India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy, and I want to ensure that the fruits of development reach every corner of the country,” he added.
The projects launched include urban road and drainage improvements worth over ₹3,600 crore, five National Highway projects worth more than ₹2,500 crore, the Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, and working women’s hostels at nine locations. A new medical college in Churachandpur, under the PM-DIVINE scheme, will further expand healthcare services in the hill districts.
Highlighting major connectivity initiatives, the Prime Minister said the ₹22,000-crore Jiribam–Imphal railway line would soon link Manipur’s capital with the national rail network, while helicopter services and the ₹400-crore expansion of Imphal Airport would enhance air travel and opportunities for the youth.
On welfare schemes, Modi said nearly 60,000 pucca houses have been built for the poor, over 1 lakh families have received free electricity connections, and 3.5 lakh households now have piped water under Har Ghar Nal Se Jal. He added that almost 2.5 lakh patients in the state have received free treatment worth ₹350 crore under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
For tribal development, the Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is driving progress in more than 500 villages, while 18 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are being established to boost educational opportunities for tribal children. Women’s empowerment is being addressed through the construction of working women’s hostels across the state.
Acknowledging the suffering caused by violence, PM Modi announced a ₹3,000-crore special package for displaced families, including ₹500 crore for rehabilitation and 7,000 new houses. “Manipur is a land of courage and valour. I spoke to displaced people, and I can say the state is now looking towards a new dawn. People have chosen the path of peace,” he said, while expressing gratitude for the warm reception he received during his road journey from Imphal to Churachandpur.
Reiterating his government’s commitment, the Prime Minister said, “We are working to make Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity, and progress. The Government of India stands firmly with the people of Manipur.”
