Two realities in Manipur: PM Modi’s billion-dollar development projects vs citizens’ demand for justice. Full report on PuneriPages.in.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Manipur was anything but ordinary. The state, still reeling from months of ethnic conflict, saw one of the most tightly secured political trips in recent memory. On paper, the day was all about development—nearly $1 billion (₹8,200 crore) worth of projects announced with the promise of jobs, roads, and better healthcare. But outside the official stage, the atmosphere told a different story: protests, boycott calls, and loud demands for justice.
As I followed the developments, one thing became clear—this wasn’t just a political visit; it was a clash of two very different realities.
Table of Contents
The Government’s Pitch During Modi Manipur Visit 2025
Modi’s central message was straightforward—peace can only come when prosperity arrives. From highways and railways to medical colleges, skill centres, and upgraded telecom infrastructure, the government’s vision is to transform Manipur into a gateway to Southeast Asia.
“Development is not just about roads and bridges, it is about healing wounds and building a brighter future,” Modi declared, addressing a carefully curated crowd.
On paper, it all sounds transformative. New jobs, better connectivity, and modern hospitals are things the state desperately needs. But the question everyone seems to be asking is: can development really heal wounds this deep?
The People’s Voice: Justice Before Projects
While official speeches focused on growth, the streets of Imphal and beyond told another story. Civil society groups, student unions, women’s organizations, and both Meitei and Kuki-Zo community representatives united in protest. Their message was blunt—development can wait, justice cannot.
Protesters argued that while flashy projects grab headlines, the core issues—ethnic violence, displacement, and lack of accountability—are still untouched.
One activist summed it up with words that continue to echo:
“We don’t need highways before justice. Roads cannot carry the weight of our pain.”
For many, the visit felt more like a PR exercise than a real attempt to solve Manipur’s ongoing crisis.
Why Modi Manipur Visit 2025 Matters for Peace
Since May 2023, Manipur has been scarred by violent clashes between the majority Meitei and tribal Kuki-Zo communities. Hundreds have died, over 60,000 people have been displaced, and whole neighborhoods remain divided by barricades and suspicion.
At the heart of the conflict are deeper questions—land rights, representation, and cultural recognition. Without directly addressing these, many locals believe no amount of investment can bring peace.
Final Thoughts: Can Development Heal Manipur?
Watching this unfold, I couldn’t help but feel the contradiction. On one side, a billion-dollar promise of roads, colleges, and jobs. On the other, voices crying out for justice, healing, and dignity.
The government is betting on development as the bridge to peace. But the people are saying: without reconciliation and accountability, that bridge may never reach the other side.
For now, the projects are announced, the protests continue, and the future of Manipur remains uncertain.
About The Author
