PM Modi in Imphal Calls Manipur ‘Crown Jewel of Mother India’

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From roads and IT hubs to women-led markets, Modi’s development push seeks to anchor Manipur in India’s growth story while stressing peace, harmony, and resilience.

By TRH State Desk

IMPHAL, September 13, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated development projects worth over ₹1,200 crore in Imphal, calling Manipur the “crown jewel adorning the crest of Mother India.” The announcement, rich in symbolism and strategy, comes at a time when the Northeast’s role as India’s new growth engine is being repeatedly underlined by New Delhi.

Among the key initiatives are the Manipur Urban Roads Project (₹3,600 crore) and the Manipur Infotech Development Project (₹500 crore), both designed to transform Imphal into a hub of connectivity and technology. Modi said these projects will create jobs, ease daily life, and empower Manipur’s youth, describing Imphal as a “city of possibilities” destined to become one of India’s leading urban centers.

Equally significant was the PM’s emphasis on women-led economic empowerment. By inaugurating four new Ima Markets, Modi paid tribute to Manipur’s tradition of women at the forefront of trade and community life. “Ima Keithel is a powerful symbol of women’s central role in Manipur’s economy,” he remarked, linking the state’s heritage to his government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

But Modi did not shy away from addressing the state’s fault lines. “Any form of violence in Manipur is a grave injustice to both our ancestors and future generations,” he cautioned, underscoring the government’s focus on reconciliation and rehabilitation. A special ₹3,000 crore package, including ₹500 crore for displaced families, aims to help thousands return to normal life.

The speech also wove Manipur into India’s historical and cultural tapestry. Recalling Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s reference to Manipur as the “gateway to independence,” Modi saluted the soil where the INA first hoisted India’s flag. He also honoured martyrs like Shaheed Deepak Chingkham, linking the state’s sacrifices to contemporary national defence.

Sporting excellence was another theme. Citing Manipur’s athletes as integral to India’s global sporting rise, Modi spotlighted the National Sports University, the Marjing Polo Complex, and Olympian Park as proof of the state’s growing sports economy.

“Manipur is full of limitless possibilities,” Modi concluded, framing the state’s future in terms of peace, prosperity, and national integration. “The 21st century belongs to the East and the North East.”