Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said the prolonged ethnic conflict in the state resulted in a decline of more than Rs 1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue between 2023 and 2026. Addressing the 52nd Foundation Day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) in Imphal, Khemchand said repeated bandhs and blockades had disrupted economic activity and affected the state’s development.

“Prolonged conflict in the state had resulted in a decline of more than Rs 1,200 crore in GST revenue from 2023 to 2026, putting considerable pressure on Manipur’s economy,” he said. The chief minister appealed to civil society organisations to avoid using bandhs and blockades as a means of protest, citing their impact on economic activity and livelihoods.

He called for collective efforts to create conditions conducive to economic recovery and development in the state. The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities broke out in May 2023 and has since been accompanied by prolonged disruptions to the movement of people and goods, including blockades affecting key routes.

According to officials, the violence has claimed at least 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing and thousands have been displaced. Manipur CM announces hike in journalists’ pension

During the AMWJU programme, Khemchand also announced an increase in the monthly pension for journalists from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000.

The family pension for eligible beneficiaries will also be raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000, he said. The chief minister further said pending advertisement bills amounting to around Rs 1 crore had been disbursed.

The announcements were made as the state government acknowledged the role of journalists and the media in reporting on issues affecting Manipur and its people.