Manipurs Ethnic Violence Leads to ₹1,200 Crore Loss in GST Revenue, Says Chief Minister
Manipurs Chief Minister reports a significant drop in GST revenue due to ethnic violence, calling for unity among communities for progress.
Imphal, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, announced on October 15 that the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, has severely impacted the state’s economy. He revealed that from 2023 to 2026, the state has suffered a loss of approximately ₹1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue.
Addressing the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ at the local ground in Tadubi, Senapati district, the Chief Minister emphasized that the prolonged unrest has disrupted economic activities and government revenue significantly. He commended the residents of Maram, Tadubi, and Mao for their efforts in restoring the smooth movement of passenger buses and other vehicles on the national highway connecting Imphal to Guwahati via Dimapur, Nagaland.
The resumption of traffic on this highway has provided a much-needed boost to the state’s economy and improved connectivity between various regions. However, the Chief Minister noted that strikes and blockades have adversely affected daily wage workers and students across the state.
Khemchand Singh highlighted the importance of resolving community differences through dialogue and mutual understanding. He recalled that during the Manipur-Burma War, members of the 36 different communities in Manipur collaborated with the state’s kings to successfully repel the Burmese army, emphasizing the need for collective efforts towards the state’s development.
Discussing developmental initiatives, he mentioned that the state government has allocated around ₹10 crore for the construction of inter-village roads in each assembly constituency. He also announced plans to establish a new medical college in Senapati district, following the establishment of one in Churachandpur during the previous government’s term.
The Chief Minister expressed concern that individuals from the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki communities are hesitant to identify themselves as Manipuri. He stressed that for the state to progress towards peace and reconciliation, people must first recognize themselves as Indian and then as Manipuri.
