Ahead of PM Modi’s likely Manipur visit on September 13, top Army officer Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar reviewed security across border and sensitive districts, met veterans, and coordinated with multiple forces as authorities enforced strict security protocols.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Manipur on September 13, security arrangements across the state have been intensified. A top Army commander has conducted a comprehensive review of the prevailing situation, particularly in sensitive districts and forward areas along the India-Myanmar border, amid heightened anticipation of the high-profile visit.
According to defence officials, Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Spear Corps, undertook a detailed tour of key areas, including Imphal, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, and the Indo-Myanmar border. His review focused on operational preparedness, inter-agency coordination, and the overall morale of security personnel deployed in these regions.
A defence spokesman stated that Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to sustaining security and stability in Manipur, which has witnessed intermittent tensions in recent months. The commander interacted with troops from the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Manipur Police, and other agencies to ensure seamless coordination among all forces on the ground.
Focus on Security Dynamics and Border Readiness
The top commander’s engagements centered on sensitive border regions where security challenges remain a constant concern. During his visit, he commended the professionalism, dedication, and high morale displayed by security personnel despite working under difficult conditions.
The defence spokesman emphasized that Lt Gen Pendharkar’s approach reflected the Army’s inclusive strategy of managing security through collaboration, mutual respect, and institutional solidarity. By meeting representatives of different forces, the commander reinforced the message of unity and joint responsibility in maintaining peace in the state.
Outreach to Veterans and Families
In addition to reviewing ground-level preparedness, Lt Gen Pendharkar also reached out to veterans and families of service personnel. During his tour, he interacted with a group of 61 individuals, including Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris (war widows), and serving personnel of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles.
Senior veterans were felicitated in recognition of their dedicated service, and tokens of appreciation were presented as a gesture of gratitude. The interaction, according to officials, helped strengthen the bond between the armed forces and the communities they serve. Ex-servicemen and families expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition and reaffirmed their trust in the institution’s continued support.
Political and Administrative Consultations
Meanwhile, political leaders and top officials in Manipur have been holding a series of meetings to discuss preparations for the Prime Minister’s possible visit. On Tuesday, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met five MLAs belonging to the Kuki-Zo communities in Churachandpur to review the situation and possible agendas for the visit.
Earlier, on September 7, the Governor also convened a meeting with BJP legislators from the Imphal Valley, including former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and BJP’s state President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi. The meetings were also attended by senior bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh, and Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar.
Officials, however, remained tight-lipped about the specifics of these closed-door discussions.
Modi’s Likely Schedule
Although the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has not issued an official confirmation, reports suggest that Modi will first visit Aizawl in Mizoram to inaugurate the newly-constructed 51.38 km Bairabi-Sairang railway project. Following this, he is expected to travel to Manipur, covering Imphal and Churachandpur, both considered highly significant stops in the current context.
Given the scale of the visit, security agencies are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. Multiple restrictions have been placed in Imphal and Churachandpur under standard VVIP security protocols.
Strict Security Measures in Churachandpur
In Churachandpur, authorities have enforced additional restrictions to secure the district. District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. issued an order declaring the entire district a “No Drone Zone,” prohibiting the use of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), balloons, and any flying objects during the lead-up to the VVIP movement.
The restrictions, officials said, are aimed at eliminating potential threats and ensuring smooth security operations during the Prime Minister’s visit. Preparations are in full swing, with joint forces coordinating ground and aerial security across sensitive areas.
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As the state awaits the Prime Minister’s visit, the combined efforts of the Army, paramilitary forces, and local administration underscore the priority being accorded to security and stability in Manipur. The review by Lt Gen Pendharkar not only highlighted operational readiness but also reaffirmed the Army’s outreach to communities and veterans, projecting a message of unity at a crucial juncture.
