Imphal: Even as the government made no announcement of Prime Minister’s visit to Manipur, expected to be on September 13, hectic preparations have been seen in Imphal since the past few days and security has been beefed up in the heart of Imphal and Churachandpur.
State legislators have not yet received invitation for the visit of the unrevealed VVIP for which the government remained hectic.
Sources said governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had told BJP legislators of Prime Minister’s visit to the state on August 13, during a meeting at Raj Bhavan on Sunday.
Manipur has been on boil since the outbreak of ethnic conflict on May 3, 2023. It has been kept under President’s Rule since February after N. Biren Singh resigned as chief minister.
Other than the proceedings of the preparatory meeting chaired by the chief secretary of Manipur on August 30 in connection with the VVIP’s visit, no official letter regarding the PM’s visit has been issued.
The identity of the VVIP to visit Manipur has not been officially revealed. People doubt on the mystery VVIP as if something fishy is going on.
Reports, however, speculate that the Prime Minister will visit Manipur on September 13, covering two locations — Kangla in Imphal and Churachandpur district. Imphal is a Meitei-dominated area, while Churachandpur is a Kuki-dominated district.
Following the August 30 meeting, renovation, installation of temporary roadside fencing, and painting work are underway along the Tiddim Road stretch, from Bir Tikendrajit Imphal International Airport to Kangla.
Security has been beefed up around Kangla’s western gate in Imphal West and the Palace Compound in Imphal East.
According to a police source, an advance security team for the VVIP has reached Imphal, and security inspections have been conducted inside Kangla.
Tourists were still allowed to enter the historical site of Kangla, but not the northern side where the VVIP function is to be organised, according to the source.
Similar preparations have been taken up at Peace Ground in Churachandpur district.
On Tuesday, however, the district administration removed the empty coffins set up in front of Peace Ground, where the VVIP is scheduled to speak on Saturday.
The coffins, placed next to the so-called Wall of Remembrance, first appeared in 2023 as homage to those who died in the ethnic clashes. They were placed by Kuki-Zo groups, removed sometime in July or August, but reappeared on September 7.
Ahead of VVIP’s visit, district administration banned use of drones across Churachandpur district.
Manipur has been in crisis since May 3, 2023, with over 260 people killed and more than 60,000 displaced.
