After months of ethnic violence, Manipur is gradually returning to normalcy since President’s Rule was imposed nearly 11 months ago. The state, under President’s Rule since February 13, has seen an absence of major violent incidents, indicating an improvement in law and order. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in September, unveiling development projects worth about Rs 8,500 crore, aimed at promoting peace and development.
In Churachandpur district, the Prime Minister laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 7,300 crore, emphasizing the importance of peace for development. Additionally, in Imphal, he inaugurated infrastructure projects worth Rs 1,200 crore, highlighting the need for a developed Manipur. The Prime Minister called for united efforts to restore peace, prosperity, and development in Manipur, known for its historical traditions of fighting injustice.
President Droupadi Murmu’s visit in December included participation in the 86th Nupi Lal Day observance and the inauguration of various development projects. The Kuki-Zo Council welcomed both the Prime Minister and the President’s visits. Notably, a significant development during President’s Rule has been the recovery and surrender of a large cache of arms and ammunition, with more than 3,000 arms and 22,000 rounds of ammunition surrendered or recovered so far.
Joint security forces have been successful in recovering arms and ammunition, with operations conducted in both valley and hill districts. Efforts to curb illegal poppy cultivation in Manipur’s mountainous districts have also been intensified, with around 1,000 acres of such cultivation destroyed. The crackdown on illicit narcotics cultivation aims to dismantle financial networks supporting insurgency and anti-national activities.
The reduction of weaponization in society is seen as crucial for peace restoration in Manipur, with dialogue between communities emphasized for normalization. Tripartite agreements and government priorities focus on peace restoration and normalcy, with steps like the reopening of key lifelines such as the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway. Despite challenges, Manipur is moving towards stability, with efforts ongoing to rebuild trust and revive development in the state.
