Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over 17,500 crore rupees during his day-long visit to the north-eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram yesterday.
In Manipur, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of several development projects worth over 7,300 crore rupees at Churachandpur and inaugurated various projects worth over 1,200 crore rupees at Imphal.
Addressing the gathering in Churachandpur, Mr Modi affirmed that the government is working with the goal of making Manipur a symbol of peace, prosperity and progress. He remarked that, unfortunately, violence had gripped the remarkable State, but expressed confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is arriving in Manipur.
The Prime Minister said he met with affected individuals residing in camps during his visit to the state. He highlighted that establishing peace is essential for development in any region, and over the past eleven years, many long-standing conflicts and disputes in the North East have been resolved.
Mr Modi remarked that people have chosen the path of peace and prioritised development. He expressed satisfaction that recently, dialogue has taken place with various groups in the hills and valley regions. He stated that these efforts are part of the Central government’s approach, which emphasises dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding to establish peace. The Prime Minister appealed to all organisations to move forward on the path of peace and fulfil their aspirations.
Speaking in Imphal, the Prime Minister said that helping those affected by violence return to a normal life is a top priority for the government. Mr Modi highlighted that the government is continuously working to ensure peace and stability in Manipur, emphasising that the interests of the people must be safeguarded and that those forced to live in camps should be able to return to normal life. He stated that Manipur is full of limitless possibilities. He stated that it is the collective duty of all to remain firmly on the path of development. Asserting that India was poised to become the world’s third-largest economy, Modi said the government was determined to ensure that the fruits of development reach every corner of the country, including the remotest parts of the Northeast.
From the soil of Manipur, the Prime Minister also addressed his friends in Nepal. He congratulated Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government. Nepal’s former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki became the Prime Minister of the interim government after anti-corruption protests ousted the KP Sharma Oli government. Mr Modi exuded confidence that Ms Karki will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal. He said, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is a close friend and trusted partner of India and emphasised that both nations are bound by shared history, faith, and a collective journey forward. He also appreciated every individual in Nepal who upheld democratic values even in a climate of instability. He stated that over the past two to three days, young men and women in the Himalayan Nation have been seen diligently cleaning and painting the streets with a spirit of dedication and purity. Mr Modi said that he has also seen their images circulating on social media. The Prime Minister described their positive mindset and constructive actions as not only inspiring but also a clear indication of Nepal’s resurgence. He extended his best wishes to Nepal for a bright and prosperous future.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth over nine thousand crore rupees at Aizawl in Mizoram. These projects cater to multiple sectors, including Railways, Roadways, Energy, and Sports, among others. Mr Modi inaugurated the Bairabi-Sairang New Rail line, worth over eight thousand crore rupees, connecting the capital of Mizoram to the Indian Railways network for the first time. The direct rail connectivity between Mizoram and the rest of the country will offer the people of the region safe, efficient, and cost-effective travel options.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said the Bairabi-Sairang railway line will revolutionise people’s lives in Mizoram. He said that for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be directly connected with Delhi by the Rajdhani Express. He said now the farmers and businesses of Mizoram will be able to reach more markets across the nation. The Prime Minister highlighted that this development will generate employment opportunities across many sectors.
Prime Minister Modi said that India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and the North-East is becoming the growth engine of the country. Mr Modi highlighted that Mizoram has a major role in both the Act East Policy and the emerging North East Economic Corridor. He underlined that the government is consistently taking steps to boost ease of Living and ease of Doing Business. He said the next-generation GST reforms have recently been introduced, and it means lower taxes on many products, making life easier for families.
