September 2025 – An upcoming short 3-hour visit of PM Modi to Manipur on the 13th of September has earned cross-party political backlash and rebuke from the public. Critics contend that the brief visit is too small a token gesture to a region that has seen ethnic violence, displacement, and instability for over two years, thus, against their reasoning, PM visit Manipur is ‘too little, too late’.
The blog delves into the political reactions, public sentiments, and context behind the visit, to explain why a short trip has sparked national controversy.
🔥Why PM Visit Manipur Is Going Against Backlash
The visit, which occurred after ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities suddenly turned into violent conflict in May 2023, will be the first trip of the PM to Manipur. Since then:
- Hundreds have lost their lives.
- Over 60,000 people have been displaced altogether.
- All the way, whole communities have been destroyed.
- Since February 2025, the state has been under President’s Rule.
- Until now, the PM had not come to the state despite the urgency of the situation.
⛔ Opposition’s Criticism
The Congress is leading the censure, calling the PM visit to Manipur an insult to the people. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accused Modi of ignoring Manipur for over two years and of visiting only now for damage control.
“A 3-hour stopover after 29 months of silence? This is not leadership—it’s political optics,” Jairam Ramesh said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge noted that despite 44 foreign and 250 domestic trips in three years, the PM never once visited Manipur amid its ethnic crisis.
💬 Reaction from the Former CM
Former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also bemoaned the brevity of the visit. He asserted that Manipur deserves more than a photo-op and demanded that the PM hold an all-party meeting while on the visit.
“If the PM really respects Manipur and its people, he should stay longer and meet the victims and talk to all stakeholders,”-Ibobi Singh
📍 The Context Behind the Visit
- ⚔️ Two Years of Ethnic Violence
The conflict began in May 2023, the original catalyst being clashes over Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis, but then violence simply took over. Neighborhoods were set on fire, police stations were breeched, and even local governance went out of power.
The central government was heavily criticized for the slow response that had piled up to the pressure on Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who ultimately had to resign. With the absence of an elected state government since early 2025, the Centre finally stepped in to impose President’s Rule to bring equilibrium.
- 🤝 Ceasefire and Suspension of Operations
In a new development, the Kuki-Zo groups signed a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement as per the Ministry of Home Affairs with assurances of upholding the territorial integrity of Manipur. While it was seen as a positive move, many believers feel that the peace is very fragile.
Authorities have tightened security for the PM visit in Manipur and declared areas like Churachandpur as ‘No Drone Zones’.
🗣️ What the People are Saying: Frustration and sense of betrayal
On social media, especially among Manipuri youths and diaspora communities, one can feel strong anger.
“This is not a visit of empathy. It’s a political checkbox.” — a Manipuri Reddit user
Local civil society groups have lamented against the exclusion of public interaction for the PM visit to Manipur and visits to refugee camps. Many feel that the Prime Minister is coming way too late to make any difference.
Is this just a photo op?
People say the PM’s visit to Manipur is a pre-election stunt. Critics accuse the BJP of mishandling the situation and view the visit as a last-ditch attempt to secure political gains.
Manipur is not just a vote bank—it is a humanitarian and constitutional crisis.
🧭 What Should the PM Do During His Visit?
The mass of political and civil leaders wants the PM to do much more than just land and leave. They want:
✔️ 1. Hold an All-Party Meeting
This demonstrates commitment to inclusive governance and ensures that both the Meitei and Kuki communities contribute their views.
✔️ 2. Visit Displaced Families
A visit to relief camps or areas affected by conflict would send a strong signal that the Centre is serious about rehabilitation.
✔️ 3. Announce a Reconciliation Roadmap
The state must have a clear plan—with a timetable—for resettlement, compensation, and social healing.
✔️ 4. Talk to the Public
A national address or town-hall style meeting with citizens would go a long way in restoring trust.
📊 How Is the BJP Responding?
The BJP defended the PM visit Manipur, stating that it manifests the government’s continued commitment toward reestablishing peace. Party leaders say that the visit would instill confidence and pave the way for the formation of a new state government.
BJP’s Manipur unit is optimistic that this short visit will break the political logjam and lead to “final resolution steps” in the coming weeks.
But most feel the backlash might grow harsher after the visit if not backed by solid action.
🔍 SEO Impact: Why Is the Keyword ‘PM Visit Manipur’ Trending?
Since they announced the visit, the keyword ‘PM visit Manipur’ has seen a dramatic surge in traffic. News portals, political blogs, and social media discussions flooded the online space, making it a top trend across India.
Tracking this keyword offers insight into how India’s leadership handles regional conflicts in a diverse democracy. click here
📢 Conclusion: More than a Mere Visit, It Has to Translate into a Turning Point
The PM visit to Manipur can either heal or chisel new wounds—depending entirely on performance. A photogenic moment will not bring about peace. Manipur most definitely needs an ear to listen, leadership, and long-term patience.
Currently, this visit spills into the domain of public scrutiny. All eyes, especially in Manipur, will be on how the PM spends those three hours—offering real hope or just ticking a box.
