Manipur CM urges hill outreach for lasting peace, cites ₹1,200 crore GST loss

Guwahati: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that raising voice for unity and peace only in the valley districts would not bring lasting peace to the State and added that the valley constitutes only 8 percent of the total geographical area of Manipur.

He stressed the need to adopt a practical approach by reaching out and visiting the people in the hills, just as the kings used to frequently visit the hill areas of the State when Manipur was a kingdom. Manipur has been caught in ethnic strife since May 3, 2023.

Singh attended Seva Jyoti Yatra (Foot March) in observance of Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at historic Kangla fort in Imphal, commemorating the momentous completion of 25 continuous years of uninterrupted public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


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He further stated that the 36 different communities residing in the State must stand united for a common cause to help bring peace, safeguard the integrity of Manipur and collectively contribute towards fulfilling the vision of a Viksit Bharat while making Manipur a Viksit Manipur.

Singh reiterated that the crisis that took place in Manipur in 2023 had severely affected the State’s economy. He stated that the crisis had resulted in an estimated loss of above Rs. 1,200 crores in GST revenue for the State during the year 2023-2026. He further added that the State had incurred losses of around Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 crore per day due to bandhs and blockades.

He stated that, before he became the Prime Minister of the country, India stood at the 11th position in terms of global largest economy. He added that, after Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, India now takes the position of the 4th largest economy in the world, making it one of the largest economies in the world. He added that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 aims to build a strong India by the time the country attains 100 years of independence. The Prime Minister has become a renowned and influential leader globally, he added.

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The Chief Minister stated that, just as the Prime Minister was leading the nation towards greater heights of development and progress, the people of Manipur must also unite and make collective and concerted efforts to advance the State towards development and peace.

Lauding Narendra Modi for the significant developmental initiatives and achievements witnessed in the State, he said that under Prime Minister’s leadership railway connectivity had reached Khongsang, in Tamenglong district of the State, thereby improving connectivity and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the people of the State.

He also stated that the National Sports University (NSU), the first and only university of its kind in the country, had been established in Manipur. Besides the establishment of Churachandpur Medical College in Churachandpur, a hill district of the State.

He stated that access to potable water in the remote areas of the State had increased substantially, from 6 per cent earlier to nearly 80 per cent at present. He added that, out of the ongoing 240-km border fencing work, with an estimated cost of around Rs 3,223 crore, fencing of 55 km had already been completed, while piers for another 80 km had been erected and were ready for the fencing work.

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Manipur to resolve any differences through dialogue rather than resorting to agitations, which disrupt the normal functioning of the State.

Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi lauded Prime Minister Modi for the initiatives taken under his leadership in formulating various schemes that are benefiting people at the grassroots level. She added that the Prime Minister’s work primarily focuses on the upliftment of the weaker sections of society.

Realising the vital importance of women’s participation in nation-building and societal development,Sharda Devi stated that the Prime Minister has undertaken several significant initiatives to promote women-led development in the country. She emphasised that women are being accorded due importance and encouraged to actively participate in various developmental initiatives. She further stated that India is progressing rapidly on the path of development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sharda Devi appealed to the public to extend their cooperation to the State Government’s initiatives aimed at bringing peace in the State.