Security has been stepped up across Manipur as preparations continue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on September 13, his first since the ethnic violence of May 2023.
Additional forces have been deployed at Kangla in Imphal, where a VVIP event will be held, and tourist access has been restricted in certain areas. Sniffer dogs have also been pressed into service at Kangla Fort, scanning the premises for any unwanted materials as part of the heightened security drill. An advance security team has already inspected the venue.
Earlier today, the Governor of Manipur held a meeting with BJP MLAs of Churachandpur district at the DC Office. The meeting, which began at 10:30 a.m., was attended by Ngursanglur Sanate (Tipaimukh), Vungzagin Valte (Thanlon), Letzamang Haokip (Henglep), L.M. Khaute (Churachandpur), and Paolienlal Haokip (Saikot), along with BJP Churachandpur District President Thanglam Haokip. Chinlunthang, the MLA from Singhat, was notably absent. While the agenda was not disclosed, sources said preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit were a key focus. The MLAs requested permission to meet stakeholders during Modi’s trip, and the Governor assured them their appeal would be forwarded to higher authorities.
In Churachandpur, security has been tightened at Peace Ground, where the Prime Minister is expected to address a gathering. Authorities removed symbolic coffins placed outside the site and imposed a district-wide ban on drones.
Meanwhile, BJP North In-charge Sambit Patra and Rajya Sabha MP In-charge for Manipur, Dr. Ajit Gopchhade, are expected to arrive in the state tomorrow to oversee party-level preparations and coordination ahead of Modi’s visit.
