PM Modi Likely to Visit Manipur Amid Tensions; Centre Speeds Up Security and Development Work

Imphal │July 4, 2025

Security Agencies Briefed for High Alert

Top-level government meetings led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Cabinet Secretary Ajay Bhalla have directed security forces to remain fully prepared for a possible visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Manipur. Senior security officials have indicated that while the trip is not yet officially confirmed, logistical and security arrangements are already underway.

Currently, nearly 29,000 personnel from Central Armed Police Forces are stationed in the state. Additionally, National Security Guard units and reinforcement teams are being kept on standby in neighboring states such as Assam and Nagaland to respond quickly if needed.

A Return After More Than Two Years

If the trip materializes, it would mark Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Manipur since February 22, 2022. His absence has been notable during the prolonged ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This ongoing violence has left over 260 people dead and displaced approximately 50,000 individuals, dividing the state into isolated tribal and valley zones.

Following the worsening situation, the BJP-led government in the state was dissolved on February 13, 2025, and Manipur has since been under President’s Rule, the eleventh such imposition in its history.

Centre Pushes for Peace Talks

Efforts to restore normalcy have intensified. The Ministry of Home Affairs has resumed peace negotiations with representatives from both sides. Since June 9, three rounds of discussions have been held with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups, with another scheduled this Friday. Earlier this week, talks were also held with key Meitei civil society organisations in Imphal.

The focus of these discussions is to ensure safe passage for goods and people across districts and to ease long-standing blockades, which have paralyzed internal movement in the state.

Infrastructure Projects Put on Fast Track

With a possible visit on the horizon, authorities have been instructed to expedite the completion of major development projects:

• Imphal Ring Road: The 51-km bypass project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, is nearing 42% completion. Officials have been told to meet an advanced deadline of September 2025.

• Jiribam-Imphal Railway: Structural work on several key bridges is completed, including one on the world’s tallest rail pier. Tunnel works continue and are expected to conclude by 2027.

• Smart City Imphal: Under this program, 13 projects have been completed, including river beautification and e-vehicle hubs. Another ₹168 crore worth of work, such as LED-lit highways and digital systems, is underway.

• Highway Restoration: NH-2 and NH-37 are being revived using drone surveillance for security, ensuring uninterrupted movement along vital supply lines.

Sources indicate the Prime Minister may inaugurate one or more of these projects during his visit and lay foundation stones in sensitive regions such as Churachandpur to project unity.

Expected Outcomes and Political Impact

Apart from inaugurations, the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to include:

• An evaluation of a proposed joint community policing system involving both Kuki and Meitei village committees.

• The launch of a ₹1,200 crore relief package that includes prefab homes and livelihood support for displaced families.

• Direct meetings with community leaders to boost confidence in the ongoing peace process.

BJP strategists hope the visit will send a strong political message ahead of the next state elections, expected after President’s Rule is lifted.

Security Along the Border and Internal Challenges

Tensions have been further complicated by the influx of armed individuals who had crossed into Myanmar and returned with advanced weapons. This has led to the deployment of an additional 10,000 troops over the past few months. Intelligence agencies are also concerned about increased drug and arms smuggling across the porous Indo-Myanmar border, which could derail peace efforts.

Timeline for the Visit

According to officials in the Home Ministry, the final decision on the Prime Minister’s travel will depend on:

1. A sustained period of calm with no major incidents.

2. Satisfactory progress in the completion of major development projects.

3. Concrete steps toward the reopening of highways and restoring inter-district movement.

A decision could be announced as early as the second week of July, depending on how ground conditions evolve.

Conclusion

The Centre’s intensified efforts in Manipur—ranging from peace talks to accelerated infrastructure work—are all tied to the high-stakes visit by Prime Minister Modi. If the visit does take place, it could mark a pivotal moment in the conflict-ridden state’s path to stability—or risk becoming a symbolic gesture unless followed by sustained action.