Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh urged residents and civil society organisations to avoid bandhs and blockades during a speech at the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Imphal on Tuesday.
He warned that a single day of bandh can cost the state between Rs 20 and Rs 25 crore, disproportionately hurting daily wage earners and ordinary citizens.
Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Singh said Manipur must also contribute to and benefit from India’s push to become a developed nation by the centenary of independence.
The chief minister said peace is essential for development and called for removal of trust deficits among communities, urging greater mutual understanding and cooperation.
He urged government officials present to take all necessary measures within their responsibilities to ensure government schemes and services reach intended beneficiaries effectively.
Singh also highlighted the damage caused by the conflict that began on May 3, 2023, noting a decline of more than Rs 1,200 crore in GST revenue and significant collateral damage, and announced that over 30 service stalls had been set up to provide access to government services.
