The BRICS TimesAuthorities in Manipur intensify preparations for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible visit on September 13, with focus on security arrangements and confidence-building amid ongoing ethnic strife.
In Manipur, top-ranking security officials convened with personnel of the Special Protection Group (SPG) earlier this week for an advance security liaison (ASL) meeting in anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible visit, tentatively scheduled for September 13, according to state officials on Thursday.
If confirmed, the trip will mark the Prime Minister’s first presence in Manipur since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. Sources indicated that Modi may address a gathering in Imphal, the valley district dominated by the Meiteis, as well as hold another event in Churachandpur, a hill district home to the Kuki-Zo tribal population.
However, officials clarified that neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the state government has made any formal announcement regarding the visit.
The preparations come at a time when the Centre reached a notable development on Thursday, having signed the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgent groups while also persuading Kuki-Zo civil organisations not to obstruct National Highway 2. Security forces stationed in the region cautioned, though, that it remains uncertain how many will feel safe enough to cross between the hill and valley areas.
At the same time, certain Kuki-Zo organisations, including the Village Defence Coordinating Committee comprising armed civilians, declared they would continue restricting free passage for Meitei residents until a distinct arrangement is ensured for the Kuki-Zo community. They further warned the Kuki-Zo council that it would bear responsibility for any repercussions.
Senior officers acknowledged that restoring trust remains crucial. One officer recalled, ”The last time (March 2025) when the government announced free movement in Manipur state-run buses for people to travel across districts under tight security, there were protests and violence. It was unsuccessful from the start. Currently, essential commodities are moving from the valley to hills or from the hills to the valley under a security convoy. The drivers are those from neutral communities (non-Meitei and non-Kuki-Zo). In recent meetings, there was a suggestion by top officials that we should start getting Meitei and Kuki-Zo people behind the wheel. Other citizens may not want to cross the buffer zone before they are confident enough.”
Another officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, added that reintroducing free movement via buses may not happen immediately. He explained, “There is enough security on the highway to Imphal-Churachandpur or Imphal-Kangpokpi. Forces are still posted on the highway. In a few cases, there were people from both communities, who joined the security convoy escorting essential commodities and passed each other’s areas. This wasn’t announced or publicised. Some people are trusting the forces and travelling quietly. In the coming days, steps will be taken to formalise this arrangement for larger groups of travellers.”
