Prime Minister is expected to visit on September 13, 2025, marking it as his first visit to the affected state since the ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticises the proposed visit as “just about 3 hours,” calling it a rushed trip and effectively a non-visit. According to Kuldiep Singh, Manipur’s Security Advisor, there were 258 reported fatalities last year, with thousands displaced.
The Congress Party criticised the planned visit of PM Modi as short and too brief, just three hours and labelled it as a non-visit and as a formality to show prolonged absence, nearly 29 months, which was perceived as a direct affront to the people of Manipur, who had long awaited the Prime Minister’s attention and presence. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X, questioning what the aim of such a rushed schedule is and what the PM can achieve from it.
“Modi’s visit shouldn’t be seen as the end goal. It’s just a beginning on a very long journey to bring forward peace, justice, reconciliation and democracy back in Manipur,” said Gaurav Gogoi, Assam Congress President. “As they say, Justice delayed is justice denied, and the people of Manipur have been denied by the respected PM of the Nation for too long now. Gaurav Gogoi added, “When the Prime Minister arrives, he should first apologise to the people.”
Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam urges that the PM should formally apologise to the people of the Manipur state, referencing the high death toll (over 260 deaths) and continued suffering with thousands displaced. MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar pleaded with the PM to meet all legislators and visit violence-hit districts and cities to grasp the gravity of the crisis.
Preparations are underway for PM Modi’s visit on September 13. Imphal Airport and Kangla Fort are undergoing renovations and treatment, accompanied by strict security measures. This includes restrictions on drones and advisories. Separately, a high-level meeting between Governor Bhalla and BJP leaders has sparked speculation about forming a new government in Manipur, which is currently under President’s Rule.
Since May 2023, an ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has resulted in 258 deaths and displaced more than 60,000 people. Both communities have suffered property damage, and religious sites were extensively vandalised. Manipur remains under President’s Rule following the resignation of CM Biren Singh in February 2025, triggered by political fallout from the ongoing violence.
