Six banned underground groups under the Coordination Committee (CorCOM) have announced a statewide shutdown in Manipur, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s expected weekend visit. This would be Modi&rsquo;s first trip to the state since ethnic violence erupted between Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023, leaving over 250 dead and 60,000 displaced.
The shutdown will begin at 1 pm on Saturday and continue until Modi departs. In a statement, CorCOM accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the crisis and alleged that his visit was intended to strengthen &ldquo;proxy wars&rdquo; and consolidate Delhi&rsquo;s control over Manipur.
Meanwhile, top BJP leaders, including northeast in-charge Sambit Patra, reached Imphal on Wednesday. They met state legislators and allies to finalise strategies ahead of the visit. Former chief minister N Biren Singh and 29 lawmakers were among those present.
Authorities are preparing for Modi to address two key rallies, one in Imphal and another in Churachandpur, one of the epicentres of the violence. In Churachandpur, arrangements are being made for the Prime Minister to meet around 200 internally displaced families and to address an audience of nearly 10,000 Kuki-Zo members, alongside nine lawmakers.
In Imphal, preparations are underway for his possible speech at Kangla Fort and the virtual inauguration of projects, including a new secretariat and police headquarters. The visit comes amid continuing sporadic violence, which led to the dismissal of the state government earlier this year.

Six underground outfits oppose PM Modi’s Manipur visit since ethnic clashes in May 23

Banned Groups Call Shutdown in Manipur Visit

Six underground outfits oppose PM Modi’s Manipur visit since ethnic clashes in May 23

September 11, 2025 | 12:55 IST