PM Modi likely to visit violence-hit Manipur after Mizoram rail line inauguration on Sept 13

Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Mizoram and ethnic violence-hit Manipur on September 13.

PM Modi will first visit Mizoram to inaugurate the new Bairabi-Sairang railway. According to a PTI report, officials of the Mizoram government said they have received information that from Aizawl, the PM will fly to Manipur, his first visit since the ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023. However, they said that they are yet to receive the final itinerary of the PM's visit.

Though Manipur could not confirm the PM's arrival, official sources hinted that Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel chaired a meeting to review arrangements in connection with the proposed visit of a VVIP to the state.

The chief secretary told the police to ensure "security arrangements as per blue book" at the function venues of Kangla in Imphal and Peace ground in Churachandpur district, officials said.

During the proposed visit of the VVIP, the newly built secretariat and other completed projects could be inaugurated, they said.

Meanwhile, Manipur DGP, in an order to all SPs and COs (MR/ IRB battalions), issued on August 30, stated that "In view of the exigencies of duty during the period, no leave should be granted to any officer/ personnel from September 7th to 14th except on extreme emergencies." 

If the PM reaches Manipur, it will mark his first visit to the state since the ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023.

Bairabi-Sairang rail line in Mizoram
Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena on Monday convened a meeting with various departments and law enforcement agencies to review preparedness for the PM's visit.

The meeting deliberated on various issues, including security measures, traffic management, reception and street decoration, a statement said.

The meeting also deliberated on the arrangements to allow government employees, farmers, and students from various schools and colleges to participate in the inaugural function to be held in Lammaul in Aizawl, it added.

The 51.38-km-long railway line is part of the Centre's Act East Policy, which aims at boosting connectivity and economic integration across the Northeast region. The new railway line will link Aizawl with the rest of the country via Assam's Silchar town. 

At least 260 people were killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence in Manipur between Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023.