With Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to visit Manipur on September 13, the Army has reviewed the security situation and preparedness of forces across several districts, officials said on Thursday.

A defence spokesperson informed that Lt Gen Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) Spear Corps, conducted a detailed review of the security arrangements in Churachandpur, Imphal, Bishnupur, and other districts.

During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar interacted with senior officials and personnel of the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police, and other agencies deployed across the state. He also inspected units stationed along the India–Myanmar border and commended troops for their professionalism, commitment, and morale.

On Tuesday (September 9), Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met five MLAs from the Kuki-Zo communities in Churachandpur to discuss the Prime Minister’s possible tour. Earlier, on September 7, the Governor had also held consultations with BJP MLAs from the Imphal Valley, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and state BJP president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi. Senior bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Rajiv Singh, and Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, were also present. However, officials have refrained from disclosing the details of these discussions.

While BJP leaders and officials in the state have indicated preparations, they clarified that the Prime Minister’s visit has not been formally confirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Reports suggest Modi will travel to Aizawl to inaugurate the newly built 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway line and may then proceed to Imphal and Churachandpur. Local administrations are preparing for live webcasts of his programmes in both Manipur locations.

Ahead of the high-profile visit, Churachandpur district authorities have imposed restrictions on aerial devices, including drones, UAVs, balloons, and other flying objects. In an order issued on September 4, District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. declared the entire district a “No-Drone Zone.”

If confirmed, the September 13 visit will mark Modi’s first trip to Manipur since ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023.

The visit is also expected to overlap with Modi’s two-day tour of Assam, where he will inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Bharat Ratna and cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika in Guwahati.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, four days after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation amid prolonged ethnic violence. The 60-member Assembly, now in suspended animation, is scheduled to run until 2027.