PM Modi in Imphal: ‘Violence in Manipur great injustice to our ancestors’ — Top quotes from his speech

Imphal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described the ongoing violence in Manipur as “unfortunate” and urged the people to unite for peace and development, saying the state has the potential to lead the progress of the entire Northeast in the 21st century.

The Prime Minister, on his first visit to the state since the 2023 ethnic unrest, inaugurated multiple projects worth ₹1,200 crore aimed at boosting infrastructure, connectivity, and socio-economic growth in Manipur.

Highlighting his government’s vision, PM Modi said, “The 21st Century belongs to the Northeast. Therefore, the Government of India has continuously given priority to the development of Manipur. As a result, the development rate of Manipur is constantly increasing. Before 2014, the development rate of Manipur was less than one per cent.”

Addressing a large public gathering in Imphal, Modi strongly condemned the episodes of unrest that have claimed lives and displaced families. “Any kind of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. This violence is a great injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. Therefore, we have to take Manipur forward on the path of peace and development, and we have to do it together,” he said.

The Prime Minister recalled Manipur’s glorious role in India’s freedom struggle, pointing out that the Indian National Army (INA) had hoisted the national flag in the state for the first time. “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose called Manipur the gateway to India’s freedom. This land has given many heroic sacrifices,” he said, urging people to take inspiration from their history.

PM Modi also praised the bravery of Manipuri youth serving in the armed forces, making special mention of BSF constable Deepak Chingakham, who lost his life during Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. “I salute the valour of our brave martyr Deepak Chingakham. The country will always remember his sacrifice during Operation Sindoor. Recently, the world has seen the power of the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor. Our soldiers wreaked such havoc that the Pakistani army started to panic. The valour of many brave sons and daughters of Manipur is also included in the success of India,” he added.

The Prime Minister also touched upon Manipur’s contribution to India’s sporting achievements, saying, “Indian culture is incomplete without Manipuri culture. And without the players of Manipur, the sports of India are also incomplete.”

In a diplomatic note, PM Modi extended greetings to Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, saying, “Nepal is a friend of India, a close friend. We are connected by shared history, by faith, and are moving forward together. Today, on behalf of the countrymen, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Sushila Karki on assuming charge as the Prime Minister of the interim government in Nepal.”