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Imphal, Manipur – More than two years after ethnic violence tore through the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Manipur, a trip that many are hoping will mark a turning point in a long and painful chapter for the region.This will be his first visit since the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023, a conflict that has left deep scars on the landscape and its people.
The violence, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands, has created a stark division within the state. For months, Manipur has been a place of tension and uncertainty, with communities separated by "buffer zones" and everyday life disrupted by fear and instability.
The Prime Minister's itinerary appears to be a conscious effort to reach out to both sides of the conflict. He is expected to visit Churachandpur, a district with a majority Kuki-Zo population, as well as the state capital, Imphal, where the Meitei community is in the majority.A key part of his visit will be to interact with those who have been internally displaced by the violence, the very people who have borne the brunt of this protracted conflict.
Alongside these crucial meetings, the Prime Minister is also slated to lay the foundation stones for a number of development projects. This move is being seen by some as an attempt to shift the focus towards a future of growth and normalcy. The state's Chief Secretary, Puneet Kumar Goel, expressed his hope that the visit will “pave the way for peace, normalcy, and growth in the state.”
However, the path to peace is complex. The issues that fueled the conflict are deep-rooted, involving disputes over land rights, economic opportunities, and political representation The Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status was a significant trigger for the initial outbreak of violence.For the thousands still living in relief camps, the primary concern is rehabilitation and the ability to return to a life of safety and security.
While the Prime Minister's visit has been welcomed by some as a long-awaited gesture, others remain skeptical, viewing it as a symbolic act that must be followed by concrete steps towards justice and reconciliation. The deep-seated mistrust between the communities will not disappear overnight.
Still, for a state that has endured so much, this high-profile visit offers a glimmer of hope. It brings national attention back to the ongoing struggles in Manipur and, for many, represents a possibility that a genuine dialogue and a process of healing can finally begin.
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