Synopsis: Visiting Manipur after two years of silence on violence, PM Modi faces a deeply divided state, pending peace talks, and political uncertainty over a new government.
By Dr. Mohammad Farooque | Qalam Times News Network | Kolkata, September 2, 2025
A Difficult Return
Visiting Manipur has become a politically sensitive issue for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His first possible trip to the state since the May 2023 ethnic clashes comes at a time when New Delhi is under pressure to demonstrate both commitment to peace and political stability. The Manipur home department’s August 30 circular, restricting police leave from September 7 to 14, confirms preparations for Modi’s potential visit. Senior state officials indicate the prime minister may travel to Imphal and Churachandpur—the epicenter of violence.
Two Years of Unanswered Questions
For over 850 days, Manipur has remained scarred by ethnic conflict that claimed more than 260 lives and displaced over 60,000 residents. Critics argue that Modi’s silence during this period has deepened mistrust. Sources suggest the upcoming visit is being framed as a decisive move to end hostilities and restart a functioning government. But beneath the optics, communities remain polarized, and thousands still live in relief camps.
Suspension of Operations Pact
A key element linked to Modi’s visit is the future of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement. Signed in 2008 between the government and Kuki armed groups, the pact requires militants to stay in designated camps with their weapons secured. Talks have been revived since 2024, with the United People’s Front (UPF) and Kuki National Organisation (KNO) invited to sign a new agreement on September 3. These groups continue to demand a separate administration for Kuki-Zo areas, a proposal strongly opposed by the Meitei majority.
Multiple negotiation rounds in New Delhi have centered on the idea of Union Territory status with a legislature. A draft proposal was handed to Home Minister Amit Shah in August 2024, but no official response has followed. Any concession toward a separate administration could spark major backlash among Meitei civil groups and intensify divisions.
Political Uncertainty and the Search for a Government
Alongside peace talks, the political situation in Imphal remains fragile. President’s Rule was extended in August 2025, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation in February after criticism of his handling of the violence and a controversial audio tape now under Supreme Court review. Although the NDA claims the backing of 44 MLAs in the 60-seat assembly, internal rifts have stalled government formation. BJP’s state unit remains split, with many leaders instructed to stay silent publicly.
Ten Kuki legislators, including seven from the BJP, have openly distanced themselves from the party over its handling of the conflict, further complicating matters. Some factions within the BJP favor fresh elections rather than appointing a new chief minister, fearing this could diminish Biren Singh’s political influence.
A Visit Laden with Risks
Visiting Manipur may project an image of leadership, but it also carries the weight of expectations. Without a clear breakthrough on the SoO agreement or clarity on government formation, Modi’s trip risks being seen as symbolic rather than substantive. The coming weeks will reveal whether this visit marks the beginning of real reconciliation or simply another political gesture.
