Imphal, Jan 21 (TIWN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that Manipur deserves peace and freedom from closures and blockades, adding that the government is steadfast in its commitment to make the state Indias sporting powerhouse.

In his recorded speech on the occasion of the 50th Statehood Day celebrations on Friday, the Prime Minister said that the government is committed to make Manipur the sporting powerhouse of the country.

The sons and daughters of the state have brought many laurels to the country in the field of sports, and looking at their passion and potential, India’s first sports university was established in Imphal, Modi said.

Modi also highlighted Manipur youth’s success in the startup space, and underlined the government’s commitment for the promotion of local handicrafts.

The Prime Minister stressed about Manipur’s key role in the vision of making northeast the centre of “Act East Policy”.

He said under the ‘double-engine’ government, Manipur is getting long awaited facilities like railway connectivity, among others.