Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has said that the prolonged ethnic conflict in the state has resulted in a loss of more than ₹1,200 crore in Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue between 2023 and 2026, placing significant strain on the state’s economy.
Addressing the 52nd Foundation Day celebration of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) at the Manipur Press Club, the Chief Minister said the economic impact of the ongoing unrest had been substantial and called for collective efforts to restore normalcy and revive economic growth.
Appealing to civil society organisations across the state, Khemchand Singh urged them to avoid bandhs and blockades, stating that such actions had adversely affected economic activity, development and public life. He stressed the need to create a conducive environment for economic recovery and long-term development.
Announcing measures for the welfare of journalists, the Chief Minister said the monthly journalist pension would be increased from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, while the family pension would be raised from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000. He added that journalists who were unable to contribute to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Journalist Pension Scheme during the conflict period would be given a one-time relaxation to reactivate their pension accounts.
Khemchand Singh said these proposals would be placed before the state Cabinet for approval.
On pending advertisement payments, he informed that around ₹1 crore in outstanding advertisement bills had already been released. A follow-up meeting with Heads of Departments has been scheduled for September 25 to discuss the matter further.
The programme was attended by MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha, IPR Secretary Neeta Arambam, Director Charanjeet Singh, Editors’ Guild Manipur President Khogenra Khomdram, AMWJU President Asem Bhakta Singh, government officials, journalists and members of the journalists’ union.
The Chief Minister also paid floral tributes at the AMWJU memorial stone in honour of journalists who had passed away.
