• Source:JND
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PM Modi Manipur Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the violence-hit Manipur on September 13, confirmed state Chief Secretary, Puneet Kumar Goel, on Friday. This will be PM Modi's first visit to Manipur since violence began in the state in May 2023, where he will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal.

Confirming PM's visit, Puneet Kumar Goel said that "PM Modi's visit to Manipur will pave way for peace, normalcy and accelerated growth in the state."

"I would like to make a statement on behalf of state government for the visit of Prime Minister. The state government, appreciates the efforts of the people of Manipur both in the hills and the valley for successfully moving forward to restore peace and normalcy in the state. The visit of Prime Minister to the state will pave way for peace, normalcy and accelerated growth in the state. PM will be arriving in Manipur on September 13th," Puneet Kumar Goel said while addressing a press briefing on Friday.

During his visit, PM Modi will interact with internally displaced people in Churachandpur and Imphal, and address two rallies. PM Modi will also lay foundation stones for various developmental projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore. He will also inaugurate various projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal.

"The Prime Minister will be inaugurating various development projects within and outside the state belonging to Manipur. The Prime Minister will address the public gathering at Kangla. The total projects for which foundation stones are being put are totaling to Rs 7,300 crore and the projects which are being inaugurated are worth total Rs 1,200 crore," Goel said.

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The development projects include the Manipur Urban Roads, drainage and asset management improvement project worth over Rs 3,600 crore; 5 National Highway projects worth more than Rs 2,500 crore; Manipur Infotech Development (MIND) project, Working Women Hostels at 9 locations, among others.

The prime minister's visit comes amid repeated criticism by opposition parties for not coming to the state following the ethnic strife between the Kuki and Meitei communities, which has left over 260 people dead and thousands homeless since May 2023. Manipur has been under the President's Rule since February, following the resignation of chief minister N Biren Singh.

PM Modi Manipur Visit: Banners Put Up In Imphal, Security Beefed Up

Large billboards and posters were put up in Imphal ahead of PM Modi's visit. The hoarding came up at Keisampat Junction, a key location in Imphal, which is also close to the BJP's state headquarters.

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The state government on Thursday also issued an advisory, asking the public attending the "VVIP programme" in Peace Ground not to bring "key, pen, water bottle, bag, handkerchief, umbrella, lighter, match box, piece of cloth, any sharp objects or arms and ammunition". Another notification that did not mention the Prime Minister's name asked people to avoid bringing children below 12 years and sick persons to the venue.

Meanwhile, security measures have been tightened in Imphal and Churachandpur district headquarters town. Both state and central forces' personnel were deployed in large numbers in and around the nearly 237-acre Kangla Fort in Imphal and the Peace Ground in Churachandpur, where a grand stage is being readied for the event.

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Central security teams, accompanied by state personnel, are conducting round-the-clock inspection of the Kangla Fort, and boats of the Manipur disaster management force have been engaged for patrolling the moats that surround the fort. Police and paramilitary forces have also been deployed and bamboo barricades constructed along the route leading to the Peace Ground.

 

(With PTI Inputs)