Churachandpur/Imphal, Sept. 14 -- Peace is essential for development and the government is making every effort to restore normalcy in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday as he attempted to provide a healing touch to the strife-torn state where at least 260 people have died since 2023.

In his first visit to Manipur since ethnic violence broke out 28 months ago, Modi attempted a balancing act between the warring Metei and the Kuki-Zo communities who have shut each other out from areas dominated by them since clashes began in May 2023, and appealed to them to shun violence and build bridges for peace, progress and prosperity.

He also inaugurated or laid the foundation stones of projects worth Rs.8,500 crore and offered h...