PM notes progress of Manipur since 2014

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 21 : Conveying warm greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of the 55th Statehood Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed the Centre's unwavering commitment to stand with the people of Manipur and to support every effort aimed at ensuring lasting peace and sustained progress.
In his message to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Manipuri people to Nation-building.
Manipur occupies a place of honour in India's freedom struggle. It was here that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauj first unfurled the Tricolour. Countless brave men and women of Manipur participated in the freedom movement, some even laying down their lives for the Nation. As a lasting tribute to these sacrifices, Mount Harriet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was renamed Mount Manipur, said Prime Minister Modi.
Calling himself a firm believer in the potential of the people of North East, he said the Government of India has worked with the resolve of "Act East, Act Fast" since 2014, to empower the region, unlock opportunities for progress and fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Recalling his visit to Manipur in September 2025, he said he was deeply moved by the affection shown by the people of Churachandpur and Imphal, who gathered in large numbers despite heavy rain. On that occasion, key development projects worth thousands of crores of rupees were inaugurated and foundation stones for several works were laid.  
President Murmu's visit to Imphal and Senapati in December 2025 also resonated deeply with the people, he said.
Underscoring the GoI’s continued focus on development in Manipur, he said Central assistance to the State has increased substantially since 2014. Flagship initiatives such as PM-KISAN, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat and several others have helped improve livelihoods and enhanced the overall quality of life for the people.
Connectivity remains a cornerstone of GoI's development strategy. Whether it is the ongoing effort to link Imphal with the National rail network, the development of the Imphal International Airport, or the construction of highways and rural roads, the Government is ushering in an infrastructure transformation. Equal emphasis is being placed on strengthening healthcare and education systems, with particular focus on skilling, innovation and women empowerment, he maintained.
Stating that Manipur is internationally renowned for producing exceptional sportspersons, he said it is a matter of pride that the Nation's first National Sports University was established in the State.
He expressed confidence that the talented youth of Manipur will continue to bring glory and laurels to the Nation in the years ahead.
Acknowledging that it has  been just over a year since Governor Bhalla assumed office, the Prime Minister commended his efforts to understand the State, engage with its people and accelerate the momentum of development.
Saluting the people of Manipur for their courage and unwavering faith in peace and progress, he stressed on the importance of working with renewed vigour to strengthen Manipur's development trajectory.
He also expressed confidence that Governor Bhalla will persist in his efforts and continue to work for the development of the State while assuring him of the Centre's full and steadfast support in this endeavour.