The Nation Is With Manipur: PM Modi On Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed for peace in Manipur which has witnessed violence since May.

Addressing the 77th Independence Day celebrations from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said the situation in Manipur is improving and urged the people in the northeastern state to build on the peace restored there.

"In the past few weeks, during the period of violence in the North East, especially in Manipur, many people lost their lives, and the honor of mothers and daughters suffered a lot, but in the last few days, there are reports of peace. The nation is with Manipur," the Prime Minister said at the outset of his 10th consecutive address from the Red Fort.

"The people of Manipur should build on the peace that has been restored over the past few days. The path for a solution will be found through peace in Manipur," the Prime Minister added.

More than 160 people have been killed, and several hundred injured since ethnic violence first broke out in the state on May 3 when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

The tension escalated after a video of May 4 incident where two women were paraded naked by a mob went viral on July 19. The CBI is investigating this case along with 10 other cases linked to violence.