Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s long-awaited trip to Manipur on 13 September 2025 — his first since the state’s 2023 ethnic clashes — has triggered sharp criticism from the Congress Party. Leaders accused him of “ignoring” a conflict-torn region while undertaking dozens of overseas visits, and described the three-hour stopover as “tokenism” rather than meaningful engagement.
“Foreign Trips but No Manipur Visit”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Jairam Ramesh used social media and press briefings to underline what they see as a stark imbalance: nearly 45–46 foreign visits by the Prime Minister since early 2022 versus no trip to Manipur until now, even as violence raged and tens of thousands were displaced. Kharge said the Prime Minister had “broken all records of globe-trotting” but had failed to fulfil his “raj dharma” at home.
Background of the Unrest
Manipur has endured sporadic but deadly ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023. More than 260 people have been killed and an estimated 68,000 forced into relief camps. The state has been under President’s Rule since February 2025. Opposition parties argue that a prime ministerial visit much earlier could have reassured victims and sped up rehabilitation.
Criticism of the Visit’s Format
Congress leaders also questioned the brevity of Modi’s Manipur stop. Describing the visit as a “photo opportunity,” they said the Prime Minister should have spent more time listening to survivors and announcing specific measures for relief and reconciliation. Some banners welcoming him were burned in Churachandpur before his arrival, highlighting ongoing tensions on the ground.
BJP’s Counter-Narrative
Government sources have pushed back, noting that Union ministers and officials have been in Manipur repeatedly over the past two years and that the Prime Minister’s overseas travel advances India’s strategic and economic interests. They argue that development projects worth over ₹8,500 crore launched during Modi’s visit show tangible commitment to the state.
Public Mood
Reactions among Manipur residents are mixed. Some displaced families welcomed the Prime Minister’s appearance as overdue but necessary; others expressed scepticism, saying they have yet to see concrete improvements in security, housing or inter-community trust.
Conclusion
Congress’s slogan-style critique — “46 foreign trips, no Manipur” — reflects a larger debate about balancing global diplomacy with domestic crises. As the Prime Minister finally sets foot in the violence-scarred state, the real test will be whether this visit signals a sustained shift in attention and resources, or remains a brief interlude before business as usual.
