Clashes erupted between police and locals in India’s northeastern state of Manipur late Thursday night over decorations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The incident took place in Pearsonmun, an area in Churachandpur, the state’s second-largest city.
Modi is scheduled to visit Churachandpur on September 13, where he will address a public rally. Ahead of his arrival, the city has been decked out with colorful banners, flags, billboards, and decorative lights. Pearsonmun — which hosts a Border Security Force (BSF) base and the helipad where Modi’s helicopter is expected to land — received special attention, with the five-kilometer route to the rally venue fully lined with flags and banners.
According to the Indian Express, quoting Manipur Police, a group of locals began tearing down the decorations Thursday night, uprooting several banners and flags. Police and paramilitary personnel rushed to the spot, resulting in a brief clash. Authorities said the situation was brought under control quickly, but no information has been released on possible injuries or arrests.
Despite a heavy security presence in Churachandpur — with personnel from the police, BSF, CRPF, and Assam Rifles deployed across the city — tensions remain high. A security official confirmed that around 10,000 personnel will be on duty on the day of Modi’s visit.
Manipur, a tribal-majority state, witnessed deadly ethnic riots between May 2023 and February 2025, primarily involving the Hindu Meitei and Christian Kuki communities. The violence claimed at least 258 lives and displaced thousands. Throughout the unrest, Modi did not visit Manipur even once, making this his first trip to the state since the conflict began.
