Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mizoram and Manipur on September 13, officials in Aizawl confirmed. This will also mark his first visit to Manipur since the ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023. According to officials, the Prime Minister will begin his tour from Mizoram, where he is expected to inaugurate the new Bairabi-Sairang railway line. 

Multiple officials of the Mizoram government confirmed they had received information about the visit, though they were still awaiting the final itinerary. From Aizawl, PM will fly to Manipur, but officials in Imphal said they could not confirm the details yet.

In preparation for the visit, Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena convened a meeting on Monday with different departments and law enforcement agencies. The meeting reviewed key issues such as security arrangements, traffic management, reception protocols, and street decoration for the Prime Minister’s arrival.

The government also discussed arrangements to ensure the participation of government employees, farmers, and students from various schools and colleges at the inaugural function. The event is scheduled to take place at Lammaul in Aizawl.

The 51.38-kilometre-long Bairabi-Sairang railway line is an important project under the Centre’s Act East Policy. The line is expected to boost connectivity in the Northeast and improve economic integration of the region with the rest of the country. Once operational, it will connect Aizawl directly to Assam’s Silchar town, and through it, to the wider Indian railway network.

If confirmed, the Prime Minister’s visit will carry both developmental and political significance, coming at a time when Manipur continues to struggle with unrest, and Mizoram looks forward to better connectivity with the rest of India.

About Violence in Manipur

The violence in Manipur started in May 2023 after a fight between two main communities: the Meiteis, who mostly live in the Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo tribes, who live in the hill areas.

The problem began when the Meiteis asked for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which would give them special rights in land, jobs, and education. The tribal groups opposed this because they feared losing their land and protections. This disagreement quickly turned into big clashes.

Since then, Manipur has seen burning of houses, villages destroyed, and many people killed. More than 200 people have died, and about 60,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. Many are still living in relief camps without proper facilities.

Even though the government sent army and security forces, violence has not fully stopped. There have been killings, looting, and reports of sexual violence during the unrest.

The conflict has also created a deep divide between the two communities. Internet services were often cut to stop rumours, but this also made life harder for people.