If one is asked to read between the lines of the PM’s visit to Churachandpur and Imphal, the message he clearly sends to the 30 million people of the state is that the PM is here to unite, not divide.
For both in Churachandpur and Imphal, the PM only gave his time to IDPs, interacting face-to-face, giving all his ear to listen to the challenges and options to address. The PM also assured them that the government will make every possible effort for their return, rehabilitation, and generation of employment.
With the PM not even giving 10 minutes to MLAs to listen to their woes, not even from the party MLAs, there was no time to talk with the MLAs of Churachandpur. A BJP MLA asked, “Waste of public resources for optics? I’ll meet and greet him when he has time to listen to the woes and aspirations of my people.”
While in Kangla, the PM interacted only with IDPs first, where they shared their woes and challenges with him. The PM also gave a patient hearing and assured them of housing, rehabilitation, and support by both the state and central governments.
Meanwhile, after leaving Churachandpur, PM Paolienlal Haokip (BJP, Saikot) posted on X asking whether the PM’s visit was a wastage of public resources for optics. He posted that people hoped the Hon’ble PM was coming to hear them. “But not even 10 minutes to listen to our woes, not even from party MLAs. Wastage of public resources for optics? I’ll meet and greet him when he has time to listen to the woes and aspirations of my people.”
Additionally, 10 MLAs also sent a letter calling for an early political settlement, citing, “We can now live in peace only as good neighbours, never under the same roof again.” The memorandum declared that separation was the only way to ensure lasting peace, justice, and security for their people.
The signatories included Vungzagin Valte (BJP, Thanlon), Ngursanglur Sanate (BJP, Tipaimukh), Chinlunthang Manlun (KPA, Singngat), Letzamang Haokip (BJP, Henglep), Paolienlal Haokip (BJP, Saikot), Lallianmang Khaute (BJP, Churachandpur), Letpao Haokip (BJP, Tengnoupal), Kimneo Hangshing (KPA, Saikul), Haokholet Kipgen (Independent, Saitu) and Nemcha Kipgen (BJP, Kangpokpi).
The memorandum, signed by MLAs cutting across BJP, KPA, and Independent affiliations, stated that the minority community had been subjected to unprecedented “ethnic persecution” in Manipur, alleging state complicity in violence that forced them out of the valley areas.
The MLAs expressed hope that Modi’s visit would mark a “historic shift” in Manipur’s political future and urged him to expedite dialogue on their demand. “This alone, we believe, will bring lasting peace and a sense of security, justice, and belonging to our people,” the memorandum stated.
The appeal comes at a time when the Prime Minister, during his address in Churachandpur, stressed peace, reconciliation, and development, announcing special packages and resettlement plans for displaced families.
