<p>Imphal: In his first visit since the Meitei-Kuki conflict began in Manipur more than two years ago, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday stressed on building a strong "bridge of trust" between the hills and the Valley and assured that a new dawn of hope is on its way to the strife-torn state.</p><p>"Manipur has thousands of years of civilization and strong cultural roots. So any form of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. It is not only unfortunate but also a grave injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. So we must constantly try to take Manipur to the path of peace and development unitedly," Modi said addressing a public meeting inside the ancient Kangla Fort at Imphal, the seat of power of erstwhile Manipur kingdom. </p>.Congress calls PM Modi's Manipur visit 'tokenism' and a 'grave insult' to the state.<p>Earlier in an almost similar public meeting in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, about 65km away, Modi stated that talks began recently with different groups to establish peace.</p><p>"It's part of the Centre's efforts where respect and mutual trust is given importance to establish peace in Manipur. I appeal to all groups to move in the path of peace to fulfill the dreams and protect the future of children. Today, I want to assure you that I am with you, I want to promise that the Government of India is with the people of Manipur," said Modi.</p><p>Only PM Modi and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla sat on the dais in both the venues. MLAs including former CM N Biren Singh sat on the front rows among the crowd in Imphal. </p><p><strong>Balm for the displaced</strong></p><p>Before addressing the public in both the venues, Modi interacted with groups of displaced persons and local youths and assured them help to facilitate their return to their homes. </p><p>"The government is relentlessly trying to bring the lives of those displaced by the violence back on track soon. We have approved a special package of Rs. 3,000 crores for Manipur of which Rs. 500 crores to be spent for the displaced persons."</p><p><strong>Rain trouble:</strong></p><p>Earlier in the morning, due to heavy rains Modi could not take part in an event scheduled at Aizawl to inaugurate several projects including the first railway line to connect Mizoram capital with rest of India. As his chopper could not take off due to bad weather, Modi inaugurated the projects from Aizawl airport. As the weather remained unchanged, Modi visited Churachandpur via road from Imphal. </p><p>Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects worth over Rs. 8,500 crores for entire Manipur.</p><p><strong>Solution in sight? </strong></p><p>The PM stressed on unity and non-violence at a time organisations representing both the Meitei and the Kuki communities have remained firm on their demands for ending the conflict. </p>.Will PM Modi show path to peace in Manipur?.<p>Meiteis demand a NRC to detect "illegal Chin-Kuki migrants" from neighbouring Myanmar. The Kukis, on the other hand, say a "separate administration" is the only way towards a solution.</p><p>Many who attended the PM's meetings, both in the hills and the Valley, however, expressed unhappiness saying Modi did not offer any solution or an action plan towards lasting peace as they had expected. </p>
<p>Imphal: In his first visit since the Meitei-Kuki conflict began in Manipur more than two years ago, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday stressed on building a strong "bridge of trust" between the hills and the Valley and assured that a new dawn of hope is on its way to the strife-torn state.</p><p>"Manipur has thousands of years of civilization and strong cultural roots. So any form of violence in Manipur is unfortunate. It is not only unfortunate but also a grave injustice to our ancestors and our future generations. So we must constantly try to take Manipur to the path of peace and development unitedly," Modi said addressing a public meeting inside the ancient Kangla Fort at Imphal, the seat of power of erstwhile Manipur kingdom. </p>.Congress calls PM Modi's Manipur visit 'tokenism' and a 'grave insult' to the state.<p>Earlier in an almost similar public meeting in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, about 65km away, Modi stated that talks began recently with different groups to establish peace.</p><p>"It's part of the Centre's efforts where respect and mutual trust is given importance to establish peace in Manipur. I appeal to all groups to move in the path of peace to fulfill the dreams and protect the future of children. Today, I want to assure you that I am with you, I want to promise that the Government of India is with the people of Manipur," said Modi.</p><p>Only PM Modi and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla sat on the dais in both the venues. MLAs including former CM N Biren Singh sat on the front rows among the crowd in Imphal. </p><p><strong>Balm for the displaced</strong></p><p>Before addressing the public in both the venues, Modi interacted with groups of displaced persons and local youths and assured them help to facilitate their return to their homes. </p><p>"The government is relentlessly trying to bring the lives of those displaced by the violence back on track soon. We have approved a special package of Rs. 3,000 crores for Manipur of which Rs. 500 crores to be spent for the displaced persons."</p><p><strong>Rain trouble:</strong></p><p>Earlier in the morning, due to heavy rains Modi could not take part in an event scheduled at Aizawl to inaugurate several projects including the first railway line to connect Mizoram capital with rest of India. As his chopper could not take off due to bad weather, Modi inaugurated the projects from Aizawl airport. As the weather remained unchanged, Modi visited Churachandpur via road from Imphal. </p><p>Modi also inaugurated and laid foundation stones of projects worth over Rs. 8,500 crores for entire Manipur.</p><p><strong>Solution in sight? </strong></p><p>The PM stressed on unity and non-violence at a time organisations representing both the Meitei and the Kuki communities have remained firm on their demands for ending the conflict. </p>.Will PM Modi show path to peace in Manipur?.<p>Meiteis demand a NRC to detect "illegal Chin-Kuki migrants" from neighbouring Myanmar. The Kukis, on the other hand, say a "separate administration" is the only way towards a solution.</p><p>Many who attended the PM's meetings, both in the hills and the Valley, however, expressed unhappiness saying Modi did not offer any solution or an action plan towards lasting peace as they had expected. </p>