Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Manipur on Saturday, marking his first visit to the state since the eruption of ethnic violence in May 2023. The visit comes after considerable criticism from opposition parties, who have accused the Prime Minister of neglecting the state in the wake of clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities.

Upon arrival at Imphal airport, the Prime Minister was greeted by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel. Due to heavy rains, PM Modi traveled by road to Churachandpur, a Kuki-dominated district and one of the areas most severely affected by the violence.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and laid the foundation stones for various development projects worth ₹8,500 crore. In Churachandpur, he laid the foundation for projects worth over ₹7,300 crore. These projects are part of a broader vision for inclusive, sustainable, and holistic growth in Manipur. The projects include road projects, National Highway projects, and women's hostels. Inaugurated projects include the Civil Secretariat at Mantripukhri, the IT SEZ Building, the New Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, and all-women's markets in various districts.

The ethnic violence in Manipur, triggered by a court order regarding the granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced nearly 60,000 people. The unrest led to the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in February 2025 and the subsequent imposition of President's Rule.

PM Modi's visit aims to address the ongoing issues and signal a commitment to the development of the region. He stated his government is committed to furthering inclusive and all-round development of Manipur. The Prime Minister's Office had announced that PM Modi would visit five states—Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar—from September 13 to 15 to inaugurate and launch projects totaling Rs 71,850 crore.

However, the visit has also drawn criticism. Congress termed PM Modi's visit as "tokenism" and a "grave insult" to the people of Manipur. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Prime Minister of failing to visit Manipur for over two years, despite the significant loss of life and displacement. Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the visit but stated that the issue in Manipur has been ongoing for a long time.

Despite the criticisms, the state government views the Prime Minister's visit as a step towards restoring peace, normalcy, and accelerated growth in the state. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said that PM Modi's trip will pave the way for peace, normalcy and accelerated growth in the state. Security measures were heightened across Imphal and Churachandpur in anticipation of the Prime Minister's visit.