Ahead of anticipated visit of Prime Minister Modi MHA likely to announce opening of NHs, SoO extension

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 3 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) may  announce resumption of free movement along National Highways and an extension of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to Manipur, as per a well placed source.
The MHA has been actively working to ensure unrestricted highway access and extend the SoO pact.
However, these moves faced opposition from Kuki groups, which have objected to opening highways to the Meetei community and extending the SoO agreement.
The source, however, indicated that the MHA is actively working to resolve differences and ensure free movement along the highways and extend the SoO pact ahead of the Prime Minister's visit.
The source further stated that the Prime Minister may club his Manipur visit with a trip to other North Eastern States viz Assam and Mizoram, due to an unavoidable commitment in Kolkata on September 14.
It is reported that the Prime Minister will begin his North East trip from Assam, followed by visits to Mizoram, Churachandpur, and Imphal.
Notably, the Governor's administration has also initiated preparatory measures for a VVIP visit to Manipur, widely believed to be the Prime Minister this month, though the identity of the VVIP and the specific date of the visit have not been disclosed.
On August 30, a preparatory meeting for the VVIP visit was held at the conference hall of Manipur Secretariat's South Block, chaired by the Chief Secretary, where various departments were assigned specific tasks.
The Government has also initiated work on two high-profile event venues at Chu- rachandpur Peace Ground and Kangla Fort in Imphal.
Preparations are underway to accommodate around 9,000 attendees at the Churachandpur Peace Ground and approximately 15,000 attendees at Kangla Fort in Imphal, as per the source.
Reportedly, 40 loaded trucks have arrived at Kangla Fort carrying materials for venue preparation.
Moreover, works are underway to construct another helipad inside Kangla Fort to increase the total number of helipads to three.
People attending the anticipated event at Kangla Fort in Imphal will enter through the western gate, with three designated routes leading to the event venue.
The Kukis are also reportedly preparing a warm welcome for the Prime Minister's visit to Chura- chandpur Peace Ground, with plans to hoist tricolour flags and sing the National anthem along the route.
Additionally, they (the Kukis) intend to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister, outlining their demands.