Preparations in full swing in Manipur ahead of likely Prime Minister’s visit

Guwahati: The Manipur administration has begun large-scale preparations in Imphal and Churachandpur, amid speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the state on September 13 or 14. The visit is expected to take place alongside his scheduled programmes in Assam and Mizoram.

A grand stage is being constructed at Kangla Fort in Imphal where arrangements are being made to seat over 15,000 people. Roads connecting Imphal airport to Kangla Fort are under repair, while beautification works and tree trimming are being carried out. Helipads are also being prepared at Kangla Fort and Churachandpur district headquarters.

A senior official said, “Arrangement are being made to accommodate more than 15,000 people in front of the makeshift stage. The road Imphal airport and Kangla Fort is also being repaired and beautified, and trees are being trimmed. Helipads are being prepared at Kangla Fort and Churachandpur district headquarters, while security deployment and other measures are underway ahead of the proposed VVIP visit.”

In Churachandpur, the district administration has prohibited the use of drones, UAVs, balloons, and other aerial devices. Officials confirmed that preparatory meetings were held to finalise arrangements. According to an official note from the General Administration Department, the Chief Secretary welcomed officers present for the preparatory meeting and asked the Secretary, GAD, to take forward the discussions. The note also mentioned Kangla in Imphal and the Peace Ground in Churachandpur as venues for the proposed programmes.

The Prime Minister will begin a two-day visit to Assam on September 13, where he will participate in multiple events. He is also scheduled to travel to Aizawl to inaugurate the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway line.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2024 following prolonged ethnic clashes. Since May 2023, violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities has claimed 258 lives, left over 1,000 people injured, and displaced more than 60,000 residents, many of whom remain in relief camps.