Will support every effort for lasting peace, progress in Manipur: PM on Statehood Day

The government would support every effort towards lasting peace and progress in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wrote in a letter to the Governor of the state on the occasion of the Statehood Day.

In three letters penned to the Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Tripura, and the Governor of Manipur, timed with the statehood days of the three states, the Prime Minister stressed his government’s Act East policy to make the northeastern states engines of national growth.

In his letter to Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla, the PM recalled his recent visit to the state in September 2025 when he addressed well-attended rallies in Churachandpur and Imphal — the Kuki tribal and majority Meitei-dominated areas of the strife-hit state, respectively.

"On that occasion, key development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees were inaugurated and foundation stones for several works were laid. I reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to stand with the people of Manipur and to support every effort aimed at ensuring lasting peace and sustained progress. The Honourable President's visit to Imphal and Senapati in December 2025 also resonated deeply with the people," the PM wrote.

He also lauded Manipur's contributions to the freedom struggle. "It was here that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauj first unfurled the Tricolour. Countless brave men and women of Manipur participated in the freedom movement, some even laying down their lives for the nation. As a lasting tribute to these sacrifices, Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was renamed Mount Manipur, an enduring symbol of national pride," the PM stated.

In all three letters, the PM reiterated his belief in the potential of the people of the Northeast. "Since 2014, our government has worked with the resolve of "Act East, Act Fast", to empower the region, unlock opportunities for progress and fulfil the aspirations of the people," he said, emphasising the expansion of NE's connectivity under the BJP-led NDA.

Terming connectivity a cornerstone of the development strategy, the PM mentioned ongoing efforts to link Imphal with the national rail network, the development of the Imphal airport and the construction of highways and rural roads.

"Our commitment is to usher in an infrastructure transformation," he said, hailing Manipur's sporting history and the fact that India's first National Sports University has been established there. Sangma, Saha and Bhalla all thanked the PM for the greetings.