Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹1,200 crore in Imphal, Manipur.
• These initiatives focus on infrastructure, digital connectivity, women empowerment, sports, governance, and disaster resilience, highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive growth in the North-East.
• His visit to Manipur’s capital Imphal, is the first since the onset of ethnic violence in the state (in May 2023).
• He urged both the Meitei-dominated valley and the Kuki-dominated hill districts to “build a strong bridge of harmony” and move forward on the path of peace and development.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Development Push in the North-East
• Key Announcements and Projects
• Significance for Manipur and the North-East
• Way Forward

Development Push in the North-East:

• Mizoram connected to railways:
  • Before Manipur, PM visited Mizoram and inaugurated the 51.38-km Bairabi–Sairang railway line, connecting Aizawl (Mizoram’s capital) to the Indian Railways network for the first time.
  • With this, Aizawl becomes the fourth Northeastern capital (after Guwahati, Agartala, and Itanagar) linked to the railway grid.
  • Alongside, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth over ₹9,000 crore in Aizawl.
• Significance:
  • Act East Policy: Mizoram, sharing borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, is crucial for India’s Act East Policy. Railway connectivity strengthens trade, transit, and people-to-people ties with Southeast Asia.
  • Economic integration: Boosts movement of goods and people, reducing transport costs. Facilitates export of local products (agriculture, bamboo, horticulture, handicrafts). Enhances tourism potential of Mizoram.
  • National integration: Makes Mizoram less isolated by physically linking it with the Indian heartland. Aizawl joins other connected state capitals in the Northeast, strengthening inclusivity in development.

Key Announcements and Projects for the Manipur:

• Infrastructure development:
  • Launch of Manipur Urban Roads Project (₹3,600 crore) to boost connectivity in Imphal.
  • Enhanced pace of National Highway and rural road construction, connecting villages.
  • Civil Secretariat and Police Headquarters inaugurated at Mantripukhri.
• Digital and IT growth:
  • Manipur Infotech Development Project (₹500 crore).
  • IT Special Economic Zone to encourage startups and tech industries.
• Smart city and urban development:
  • He informed that under this vision, several projects have been completed in Imphal, and many other projects are progressing rapidly.
  • Manipur Bhawans at Delhi and Kolkata for affordable accommodation, especially for women.
• Women empowerment:
  • Inauguration of 4 new Ima Markets (women-only markets).
  • Emphasis on Ima Keithel tradition as a symbol of women-led economy.
  • Women empowerment linked to Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
• Disaster management: Recognition of flood-related challenges; new projects underway for mitigation.
• Cultural and historical identity:
  • Manipur is described as the “crown jewel of India.”
  • Tribute to Indian National Army (INA) flag hoisting in Manipur and renaming of Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur.
  • Stress on peace, dialogue, and harmony between hills and valleys.
• Sports as a growth driver:
  • Establishment of National Sports University in Manipur.
  • Khelo India and Olympic Podium schemes supporting Manipuri athletes.
  • To promote polo, the Marjing Polo Complex has been established, featuring the world’s tallest polo statue.
• Socio-economic relief:
  • Highlighting that their government has significantly reduced GST, the PM stated that this will bring double benefits to the people of Manipur.
  • 7,000 new houses have been approved for displaced families. The central government has recently declared a special package of approximately ₹3,000 crore for Manipur.
  • He added that over ₹500 crore has been allocated specifically to assist displaced individuals.
• National security and defence contribution:
  • Tribute to Shaheed Deepak Chingkham (Operation Sindoor).
  • Recognition of Manipuri youth in armed forces and sports.

Significance for Manipur and the North-East:

• Shift from marginalisation to mainstream development.
• Manipur is positioned as a hub for connectivity, culture, sports, and IT.
• Promotes peace, stability, and women empowerment as foundations for inclusive growth.

Way Forward:

• Peace and stability: Violence undermines Manipur’s historical legacy and development potential. Therefore, peace-building and dialogue are crucial.
• Balanced growth: Bridging divides between hills and valley is essential for long-term harmony.
• Women-centric economy: Strengthening Ima Markets and women-led initiatives will boost local entrepreneurship.
• Sports diplomacy and soft power: Leveraging Manipuri athletes’ contributions enhances India’s global sporting image.
• Integration with national growth: Projects reflect Act East Policy and aim to make Manipur a growth engine for the 21st-century North-East.