Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh said ethnic violence caused an estimated Rs. 1,200 crore GST revenue loss between 2023 and 2026. He stressed peace, reconciliation, highway connectivity, equitable development and cooperation among communities during an event in Senapati.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has said that the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, severely affected the state’s economy, resulting in an estimated loss of around Rs. 1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections between 2023 and 2026.
The Chief Minister made the statement while addressing the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ at Tadubi local ground in the Naga-dominated Senapati district on Thursday. He highlighted the economic consequences of prolonged unrest, road blockades and shutdowns, while calling for peace, reconciliation and cooperation among Manipur’s diverse communities.
Khemchand Singh appreciated the people of Maram, Tadubi and Mao in Senapati district for their cooperation in restoring the free movement of passenger buses and other vehicles along National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Guwahati through Dimapur in Nagaland.
He said the resumption of unhindered movement along the highway had improved regional connectivity and supported economic activity. The route is important for transporting passengers and goods between Manipur and other parts of the Northeast.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the impact of bandhs and blockades on ordinary residents, particularly daily-wage earners and students. He said disruptions to transportation and economic activities had affected livelihoods and development across the state.
Emphasising the importance of dialogue, Khemchand Singh said differences between communities could be resolved through mutual understanding and constructive discussions. He recalled that 36 communities in Manipur had historically cooperated during the Manipuri-Burmese War, joining forces to resist the Burmese Army and protect the state.
He urged people from different communities to work together towards a shared objective of peace, stability and development.
The Chief Minister also expressed concern that members of the Meitei, Naga and Kuki communities were increasingly reluctant to identify themselves as Manipuris. He said restoring peace and reconciliation required people to recognise their shared identity and work towards a common future.
Citing Singapore as an example, he said people from different communities could contribute collectively to national development despite their differences. He called for a similar spirit of cooperation in Manipur to support economic recovery and long-term progress.
On infrastructure development, Khemchand Singh said the state government had earmarked approximately Rs. 10 crore in the budget for each Assembly constituency to construct inter-village roads (IVRs). The initiative is intended to improve connectivity between villages and provide residents with better access to essential services and economic opportunities.
He also announced plans to establish a medical college in Senapati district. Referring to healthcare development in the hill districts, he noted that a medical college had been established in Churachandpur district during the previous government’s tenure. He said the proposed institution in Senapati would further expand access to medical education and healthcare facilities.
Discussing national development, the Chief Minister referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He said the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan was being organised across the country to mark 25 years of Modi’s public service and promote the values of public service and good governance.
Khemchand Singh also referred to India’s economic position, stating that the country had moved from being the world’s 11th-largest economy before Modi became Prime Minister to the fourth-largest economy. He linked this progress to the Prime Minister’s leadership and highlighted the objective of building a developed India by the centenary of independence in 2047.
Former Senapati Autonomous District Council chairman A. Kapani welcomed the initiative to organise the programme in Tadubi. He thanked the district administration for providing a platform to participate in the event marking 25 years of the Prime Minister’s public service.
Kapani said the Tadubi Assembly constituency had faced several difficulties in the absence of an elected representative. However, he noted that government policies and welfare benefits were reaching residents under the Chief Minister’s guidance. He also appreciated the initiative to restore the free movement of vehicles along National Highway-2.
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During the programme, the Chief Minister distributed benefits under various government schemes to eligible beneficiaries from Senapati district.
The event highlighted the links between peace, road connectivity, public welfare and economic development. The estimated GST revenue loss of Rs. 1,200 crore cited by the Chief Minister underlined the financial impact of the prolonged crisis, while his remarks stressed the importance of dialogue, community cooperation and infrastructure development in supporting Manipur’s recovery.
