Churachandpur, Sep 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today assured the people of Manipur that he and his government are ‘’with them’’ and appealed for peace saying the land of courage and strength must once again become the land of hope.
Addressing the people of the state, especially the tribal people in hill districts of the state, he said that while recent violence has deeply affected lives, hope is knocking at the doors of Manipur.
The Prime Minister, who met displaced families staying in relief camps, said that the government at the Centre stood firmly with the people of Manipur.
“I appeal to all organisations to walk the path of peace and ensure the future of their children. I promise, I am with you. The Indian government is with you,” he said.
He also underlined the cultural vibrancy and resilience of the state, adding that Manipur’s sentiment, courage and affection were unforgettable and that he bows his head in gratitude before the people.
Emphasising his government’s commitment to development, Modi recalled that in the last decade the state has seen unprecedented investment in connectivity, infrastructure, health and education.
He noted that road and rail projects worth thousands of crores have transformed access across hills and plains, with Rs 3,700 crore already spent on national highways and another Rs 8,700 crore worth of work underway. Rail connectivity alone has seen an investment of Rs 22,000 crore, while Imphal airport has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 400 crore.
He said that the efforts to improve the lives of the people have touched every household, from 60,000 new homes and free electricity for more than one lakh families to 3.5 lakh households now getting drinking water under the Har Ghar Jal scheme.
The health sector, which had long been neglected, is also undergoing change with a medical college set up in Churachandpur and advanced facilities coming up in five hill districts. A special package of Rs 3,000 crore, including Rs 500 crore for displaced families, has been announced to help Manipur get back on its feet.
The Prime Minister stressed that more than 500 villages are currently witnessing development works, with particular focus on empowering tribal youth and women. He said Manipur is a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress, and the government will continue to stand with displaced families until they return to their homes and rebuild their lives.
He also laid the foundation for 19 projects worth Rs 7,300 crore and expressed confidence that in the coming years Manipur would shine as a true jewel of the Northeast.
