Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the northeastern states was crucial for conflict-stricken Manipur. The violence that erupted in Manipur on May 20, 2023, is now at a standstill. Gunfire has ceased, and those who took shelter in bunkers have returned to their routines, with young individuals heading back to colleges and universities. Manipur appears calm and normal after two years and four months.
However, the impact of the ethnic conflict in 2023 still echoes throughout the state. Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation for projects worth 7,000 crore rupees in violence-hit Churachandpur, the epicenter of the turmoil where numerous individuals lost their lives, and heavily armed youths took to bunkers to safeguard their villages.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi met with internally displaced individuals in Manipur, offering comfort—a much-needed gesture for this violence-affected state. Yet, the chasm between the Kuki and Meitei communities remains unclosed. The residents of Churachandpur are unable to journey to the Imphal valley due to safety concerns and fears. Conversely, those from the Meitei community residing in the Imphal valley cannot travel to the hilly districts of Churachandpur or Kangpokpi.
The Bishnupur district and the adjacent hilly regions have become buffer zones post-violence, now guarded by security agencies. Neither the Kuki-Zomi or hill tribes can access the valley, nor can the people from the valley venture into these mountain territories.
Thousands, including women and children, were displaced by the unrest and currently seek refuge in government-run relief camps. The most challenging aspect for Churachandpur residents is the inability to travel 65 kilometers to Imphal even in medical emergencies. Yathang, a woman from the Kuki community in Churachandpur, shared with Aaj Tak, 'For higher education or medical emergencies requiring Delhi travel, the fear prevents us from going to Imphal. Instead, we endure a lengthy 13 to 14-hour journey to Mizoram's Aizawl to catch a flight to Delhi. It's costly and time-consuming, but survival necessitates it.'