Manipur braces for healing push as Prime Minister launches major infrastructure and connectivity projects amid fragile peace efforts.Manipur witnessed a rare political and symbolic moment as the Prime Minister visited the state for the first time since ethnic unrest erupted in 2023.
The visit, marked by the unveiling of projects worth over ₹8,500 crore, was seen as a strategic attempt to bridge divides and signal a renewed commitment to rebuilding one of India’s most volatile regions.The Prime Minister arrived in Churachandpur, one of the worst-affected districts during the violence, where he met families displaced by the conflict and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹7,300 crore. The portfolio included national highway upgrades, urban roads and drainage systems, women’s hostels, and digital infrastructure projects. Later in the day, in the state capital, projects worth over ₹1,200 crore were inaugurated, including a new Civil Secretariat, police headquarters, and a women’s market initiative seen as a push towards gender-inclusive growth.
Also Watch: An Exclusive Interview with Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS), CEO MHADA
Parallelly, the Prime Minister inaugurated the long-awaited Bairabi–Sairang railway line in neighbouring Mizoram. The ₹8,070-crore project connects the state directly with the national railway network, opening up passenger and freight services. This marks the first Rajdhani Express service to Delhi from the region, alongside a Kolkata Tri-Weekly Express and a daily Mizoram Express to Guwahati. The engineering feat involved the construction of 45 tunnels and 45 bridges, some taller than historic landmarks, underscoring India’s growing transport capabilities in difficult Himalayan terrain.
The timing of the visit carried heavy political undertones. Since May 2023, Manipur has been fractured by violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, leaving over 250 dead and 60,000 displaced. Although military deployment, curfews, and peace talks sought to restore order, divisions remain entrenched. In February 2025, the crisis deepened further when the state leadership resigned, leading to President’s Rule. Against this backdrop, the Prime Minister became the first national leader in nearly four decades to step into Churachandpur, signalling both a political gamble and an outreach effort.
Experts view the visit as both symbolic and pragmatic. On one hand, it offered reassurance to conflict-hit communities that New Delhi has not abandoned them. On the other, the roll-out of large-scale connectivity, urban management, and institutional projects indicates an economic recalibration designed to rebuild trust through growth and employment. Critics, however, argue that infrastructure alone cannot heal long-standing ethnic fractures without a robust roadmap for justice, reconciliation, and security.As Manipur rebuilds, the challenge lies in ensuring that roads, railways, and digital infrastructure translate into opportunities for displaced families and marginalised groups. Equitable access, gender-responsive planning, and eco-friendly design will be crucial if the state is to move beyond symbolism and into a sustainable model of peace and prosperity.
