'Land swallowed by violence, new dawn about to begin'; PM Modi in Manipur

IMPHAL: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope to make Manipur into a symbol of peace and prosperity. He was speaking at a gathering in Churachandpur district. This is the Prime Minister's first visit to Manipur since the communal riots broke out.

'Manipur is a gift of nature. The hills here are scenic and unique in the country. I am grateful to those who came here to attend the event, braving heavy rains. This is a land of braves. I bow to the people of Manipur. This beautiful place has been swallowed by violence, but a new dawn is about to begin. People will choose the path of peace. I am with you. The central government is with you. I want Manipur to become a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress," Modi said.

Modi will meet the riot victims in Manipur. Earlier reports mentioned that he would visit Churachandpur, a Kuki region, and Imphal, a Meitei-dominated place. It is reported that the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur and inaugurate projects worth over Rs 1,200 crore in Imphal. He will leave for Assam in the evening. The visit comes at a time when opposition parties were lamenting Modi over his delay to visit a riot-stricken Manipur despite the years of mayhem in the state. Apart from Manipur, PM Modi will also visit Mizoram, Assam, Bengal and Bihar states till the 15th.

The security is beefed up in the region, and the state is totally blanketed with officials after reports of violence following PM Modi’s visit to the state.