Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, a period of unrest that has resulted in over 260 lives lost and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people. The visit, which included a stop in Churachandpur, one of the areas most severely affected by the violence, aimed to provide a "healing touch" and reassure the people of the Centre's commitment to restoring peace and normalcy in the state.

Upon arriving in Churachandpur, Modi met with internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Peace Ground, listening to their concerns and offering assurances of support. He acknowledged the suffering of those affected by the violence and emphasized the importance of peace for the region's prosperity. "Manipur is a land of hope and aspirations," Modi stated, "But unfortunately, violence had gripped this beautiful place... a new dawn of hope and confidence is rising in Manipur".

Due to heavy rainfall, the Prime Minister's initial plan to travel to Churachandpur by helicopter was thwarted, leading him to take a 1.5-hour road trip instead. Modi expressed that he was happy for the change in travel plans, as it allowed him to witness the "love and affection showered by people of Manipur along the road".

During his visit, Modi launched development projects worth approximately ₹7,300 crores in Churachandpur, with the aim of improving the lives of the people, particularly tribal communities in the hills. These projects signify a commitment to the region's long-term progress and aim to address some of the underlying issues that may have contributed to the unrest. Modi also spoke of the 7,000 houses constructed for those displaced by violence and the special package of nearly ₹3,000 cr announced by Centre for the state, in which ₹500 cr have been earmarked for the displaced.

In Imphal, Modi addressed a public gathering inside the historic Kangla Fort, appealing to all groups to shun violence and build bridges for peace, progress, and prosperity. He stressed the need to continuously strengthen the road for talks and not let the identity of Manipur’s youth be burdened by the "black shadow of violence".

The Prime Minister's visit comes amidst criticism from opposition leaders, who have described it as "tokenism" and a "whitewash" of the ongoing crisis. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi stated that the visit was more focused on the image of the Prime Minister rather than the ground reality and that the Prime Minister should have visited the state two years ago.

Despite the criticism, many see Modi's visit as a crucial step towards restoring faith and initiating a genuine dialogue between communities. The central government has been engaging with community representatives through the Home Ministry, and infrastructure development is underway in both valley and hill areas.

The challenges ahead include ensuring the safe return of internally displaced persons to their homes and providing security guarantees from the government. Justice for the victims of the violence and closure for their families remain critical demands. The Prime Minister’s visit and the initiatives announced offer a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future for Manipur, but lasting solutions will require sustained efforts and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict.