Imphal/IBNS: Wading the Opposition's criticism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his hand towards the people of Manipur, appealed to them to move on from the shadows of violence and join the country's developmental journey in his first visit to the northeastern state, where deadly ethnic clashes broke out in 2023.

The unrest in the state, which is now under President's rule, is mainly between the Meitei community (majority in the Imphal Valley) and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities (in the hill regions).

As per latest estimation, over 250 people have been killed in the clash.

Modi interacting with displaced people in Churachandpur. Photo: PIB

Addressing a gathering in Churachandpur, Modi expressed full support to the people of Manipur underling the beginning of negotiations between various groups in the state, where clashes between Kuki and Meitei groups broke out a couple of years ago.

"We are satisfied that recently in the hills and valleys... negotiations have taken place for agreements with different groups. These are part of the efforts of the Government of India... in which work is being done to establish peace while giving importance to dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding.

"I would appeal to all organisations to move forward on the path of peace and fulfill their dreams. I am with you... the Government of India is with the people of Manipur," the Prime Minister, who met the victims of the ethnic violence on Saturday, said.

Modi greeting displaced people in Churachandpur. Photo: PIB 

The PM met people who were displaced after losing their homes due to the ethnic clash.

In some of the visuals, Modi was seen having light-hearted interactions with kids in Churachandpur, to where he travelled by road from his previous stop, Mizoram.

"The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence had cast its shadow on this beautiful region. A short while ago, I met those affected who are living in relief camps. After meeting them, I can say with confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is rising in Manipur.

"For development to take root anywhere, peace is essential. In the past eleven years, many conflicts and disputes in the Northeast have been resolved. People have chosen the path of peace and given priority to development," the Prime Minister added.

On February 9, 2025, erstwhile Chief Minister N. Biren. Singh stepped down amid growing dissent within the Prime Minister's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies over the handling of the situation.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the PM's Manipur visit and posted on X, "Your 3-hour PIT STOP in Manipur is not compassion — it’s farce, tokenism, and a grave insult to a wounded people.

"Your so-called ROADSHOW in Imphal and Churachandpur today, is nothing but a cowardly escape from hearing the cries of people in relief camps!"