Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur on Saturday over two years after more than 260 people were killed in the ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023. He interacted with two warring communities, Kuki and Meitei, who were displaced due to the ethnic violence, at the historic Kangla Fort complex in Imphal and Peace Ground in Churachandpur. “Manipur has immense potential, but violence weakens our social fabric. Only peace and harmony can restore the state’s rightful place as India’s eastern crown jewel,” he said.

Modi said the Centre had approved the construction of 7000 new houses for those affected by the conflict, alongside a special  relief package of about `3000 crore. He announced infrastructure projects totalling `1200 crore in Manipur. Tensions flared in Imphal on Saturday as Congress workers staged a protest just outside the Kangla Fort, with placards reading “Manipur is burnt under BJP rule” and “Stop communal politics”. The police blocked protesters inside party headquarters to prevent them from marching into the event.