Independence Day 2023: India Stands With Manipur, Peace Returning To State, Says PM Modi

Independence Day 2023: PM Modi appealed for peace in violence-hit Manipur from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 77th Independence Day.

Independence Day 2023: PM Modi at Delhi's Red Fort ( Image Source :PMO/Twitter )

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 10th consecutive Independence Day address, said India was with the people of Manipur, which has been hit by ethnic violence since May, and appealed for peace in the northeastern state. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi said the Centre and the Manipur government was making all efforts to find a resolution in the state.

Condemning the cycle of violence and incidents of atrocities against women in the state, PM Modi said, "In the last few weeks, Manipur witnessed a wave of violence. Several people lost their lives and our mothers and sisters were dishonoured.  But, peace is slowly returning to the region. India stands with Manipur."

The Prime Minister said the path for solution in Manipur would be found through peace.

"Resolution can be found through peace only. The Centre and the State government is making all efforts to find resolution," PM Modi further said.

More than 160 people have died and several hundreds have been injured since the ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

This is the second time in the past seven days that PM Modi has spoken on the situation in Manipur. While replying to the debate on no-confidence motion in Lok Sabha last week, PM Modi said the violence in Manipur, especially the atrocities against women, was unpardonable and those responsible would soon be punished.

While assuring that peace would prevail in Manipur, PM Modi said the state would march forward on the path of development. "The entire country and the House is with Manipur. We will together ensure peace there," he said. 

However, PM Modi said that all efforts to ensure peace in Manipur should be free of politics.