India’s Modi calls for peace in Manipur, launches development projects
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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting supporters upon his arrival at a public meeting in Imphal, in India's north-eastern state of Manipur, on Sept 13.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Modi appealed for peace in Manipur, a state marred by ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities since May 2023.
- During his visit, Modi inaugurated US$963 million worth of development projects and pledged to build 7,000 homes for displaced families.
- Modi urged dialogue between communities, emphasising brotherhood, after facing criticism for his government's handling of the unrest.
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GUWAHATI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for peace on Sept 13 in Manipur state – the scene of two years of deadly ethnic violence – as he unveiled a package of development projects there worth nearly US$1 billion (S$1.28 billion).
Some 260 people have been killed
Mr Modi, who met displaced members of both communities during his first visit to the north-eastern state since the violence erupted, has faced criticism for his government’s failure to ensure order and security in Manipur.
“The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence has cast its shadow on this beautiful region,” he said, addressing residents in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur hills.
“I appeal to all organisations to take the path of peace to fulfill their dreams and secure the future of their children,” he said.
Mr Modi inaugurated women’s hostels, indoor stadiums, and road infrastructure – projects worth a total of US$963 million – during his visit to the city of Imphal and town of Churachandpur.
He said the government was making every possible effort to restore peace.
Speaking in the Meitei-majority city of Imphal, Mr Modi also announced that the government was supporting the construction of 7,000 new homes for families displaced by the conflict.
He urged both communities to engage in dialogue.
“We should strengthen the bridge of brotherhood between the hills and the valley,” he said.
Manipur is governed by Mr Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The state’s leading official Biren Singh, however, resigned in February
The state has since been governed directly by the federal government through a governor appointed by New Delhi. REUTERS
