Kuki-Zo Organisations Oppose Dance Programme Ahead of PM Modi’s Likely Visit to Manipur
Imphal, September 10, 2025 — Several organisations representing the Kuki-Zo community in Manipur have raised objections to a dance programme being planned as part of the welcome ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is expected to visit the ethnic violence-hit state on September 13 for the first time since the conflict broke out in May 2023.
Displaced Groups Reject Festive Welcome
The Imphal Hmar Displaced Committee, representing families uprooted by the ethnic clashes, issued a strongly worded statement urging authorities to focus on the plight of victims rather than organizing a celebratory reception.
“Our mourning is not yet over, our tears are not yet dried, our wounds are not yet healed, we cannot dance with joy,” the committee said. It added that instead of attending a grand event, the Prime Minister should directly interact with displaced families living in relief camps across the state.
Students’ Groups Voice Concern
The Gangte Students Organisation in Churachandpur district echoed similar sentiments, stating:
“We can’t dance with tears in our eyes. We welcome the PM’s visit, but it should not be marked by celebrations.”
The group, however, noted that the Prime Minister’s presence could provide an important opportunity for victims to begin the process of healing.
Kuki Inpi Calls for Political Solution
The Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki community, welcomed the prospect of Modi’s arrival but stressed that the visit must bring “justice and recognition of the Kuki-Zo people’s collective aspirations.”
The organisation reiterated its demand for a permanent political solution, arguing that temporary relief measures were insufficient. “The demand is clear and firm. Only a lasting political settlement can bring peace,” the body stated.
Meitei Voices Seek Safety Assurances
While Kuki-Zo groups expressed grief and resistance to a festive welcome, sections of the Meitei-majority Imphal valley described the visit as an opportunity to highlight their own grievances.
“The Prime Minister’s presence in the state will offer us a platform to share long-standing grievances and how innocent villagers have been affected by the ethnic strife,” said Soibam Reagan, a villager from Imphal East district.
Women’s group Imagi Meira urged the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure that Meiteis are able to travel safely along national highways, a lifeline that has often been disrupted by unrest.
Background: Manipur’s Prolonged Ethnic Strife
Ethnic violence in Manipur erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, spiraling into one of the worst internal crises the state has seen in decades.
- Casualties: Over 260 people have been killed.
- Displacement: Thousands have been rendered homeless, forced into relief camps under poor conditions.
- Political Fallout: The Centre imposed President’s Rule after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned in 2023. The Manipur Legislative Assembly, with a tenure until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.
Despite repeated assurances from the Union government, both communities continue to accuse authorities of failing to protect lives and restore normalcy.
Why PM Modi’s Visit Matters
The Prime Minister’s visit—his first since the conflict began—carries significant weight. For victims, it represents a rare chance to voice grievances at the highest level. For the state’s political stakeholders, it offers a possibility of breaking the prolonged deadlock.
For the Kuki-Zo community, the focus is on political recognition and long-term peace agreements. For Meitei groups, the priorities are security, restoration of movement, and economic stability.
Observers believe the way Modi’s visit is structured—whether it centers on ceremonial optics or direct engagement with victims—will set the tone for future reconciliation efforts in Manipur.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The controversy around the planned welcome dance underscores the deep wounds that still define Manipur’s conflict. Communities displaced by violence are clear in their message: celebration feels misplaced when grief is still raw. For the Prime Minister, the visit is not only about symbolism but about showing empathy, acknowledging pain, and signaling a credible path toward justice and reconciliation.
If the government can balance ceremonial protocol with meaningful engagement, this visit could mark the beginning of healing. If not, it risks deepening divides at a time when unity is most urgently needed.
(With inputs from PTI)