The Manipur government has begun extensive preparations for a major VVIP visit in September amid speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make his first trip to the state since ethnic violence broke out on May 3, 2023, though no official date has yet been confirmed.
A high-level meeting chaired by the chief secretary was held at the Manipur Secretariat on August 30, attended by senior officials from key departments, security agencies and district administrations.
People privy to the discussions said two main venues are being considered — Kangla in Imphal and the Peace Ground in Churachandpur — where major events could take place.
The Director General of Police has been tasked with overseeing security, with directions to enforce all measures outlined in the Blue Book. These include jammers, CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, sanitisation and anti-sabotage checks, along with traffic regulation and crowd management.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) will work in coordination with state police on the movement of the VVIP convoy and the deployment of bulletproof vehicles. Proximity passes and other security clearances will also be issued under strict supervision.
People aware of the planning indicated that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Manipur for the first time after the violence broke out on May 3, 2023.”
The scale of preparations and close involvement of the SPG have fuelled speculation that the Prime Minister could indeed be the visiting VVIP.
The Raj Bhavan has been directed to provide a dedicated VVIP room if required and to coordinate the list of dignitaries for the airport reception as well as the public programmes.
The health department has been ordered to deploy Advanced Life Support ambulances, set up dedicated medical teams at each venue, and ensure a reserved blood supply at JNIMS, RIMS and CMC.
The Public Works Department has been asked to repair and blacktop routes from Imphal airport to Kangla and from the BSF helipad to Peace Ground in Churachandpur. Seating and infrastructure for nearly 15,000 attendees at Kangla and about 9,000 at Churachandpur will also be arranged.
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Meanwhile, the MAHUD and environment and forest departments have been told to clean and beautify roadways, trim trees, clear garbage, and line the routes with decorative flags, banners and streetlights.
The possible visit comes amid sharp criticism from civil society groups and opposition parties, who have accused Modi of being “silent” and “negligent” over the Manipur crisis.
Political manoeuvres have added another layer to the unfolding situation. On Monday evening, assembly speaker Thokchom Satyabrata met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan for a 30-minute meeting.
People familiar with the conversation said the discussion centred on forming a new popular government in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February 13 this year.
The state assembly has been suspended since the resignation of former chief minister N Biren Singh on February 9, following his meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
According to people aware of the matter, a new government could emerge by the end of September, potentially coinciding with the anticipated VVIP visit.
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