Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has said that frequent bandhs and blockades in the state are causing a significant loss of government tax revenue, with the daily impact estimated at around Rs 25 crore to Rs 30 crore.
Singh made the remarks while speaking about the economic consequences of disruptions in Manipur. According to the Chief Minister, repeated bandhs and blockades have affected normal economic activity and reduced revenue collected by the state government. The estimate of Rs 25 crore to Rs 30 crore a day is an assessment given by the Chief Minister and has been reported by multiple news organisations.
The issue comes against the backdrop of the prolonged crisis that began in Manipur in May 2023. The unrest has had a substantial impact on economic activity, businesses, transportation and the livelihoods of people across different sections of society.
Singh has repeatedly appealed to people not to resort to bandhs and blockades as a way of expressing grievances. Instead, he has called for differences to be addressed through dialogue and other democratic methods.
The Chief Minister has argued that disruptions to roads and commercial activity can have a wider impact than the immediate inconvenience caused to commuters. When transportation and business operations are interrupted, the movement of goods and services can also be affected. Such disruptions can have consequences for traders, daily wage workers, transport operators and other people whose income depends on regular economic activity.
The impact is particularly significant for daily wage earners. Singh has said that families dependent on daily income have been among those affected by the prolonged crisis and disruptions in the state. He has therefore urged people and organisations to consider the economic consequences of protests that bring normal activity to a halt.
The Chief Minister’s latest comments were also linked to his broader appeal for peaceful coexistence among different communities in Manipur. He highlighted the historical connections between Manipur and neighbouring regions, including Assam, and said these relationships demonstrate that communities in the region have shared cultural and social links for generations.
Singh pointed to historical accounts involving the rulers of Manipur and their interactions with people living in neighbouring areas. He said the historical presence and cultural influence of Manipur extended beyond the present boundaries of the state.
The Chief Minister also referred to the longstanding relationship between Manipur and Assam. He highlighted historical links associated with Rajarshi Bhagyachandra and the connections between the people of Manipur and the erstwhile Ahom Kingdom. According to Singh, these historical relationships remain relevant to understanding the social and cultural connections between the regions.
Singh said Manipur should not be viewed in isolation from its neighbouring states and communities. He stressed that the state shares geographical, historical and cultural links with surrounding regions and that peaceful coexistence is important for future development.
The appeal comes at a time when the Manipur government is seeking to restore economic activity following years of disruption. The state has faced considerable economic challenges since the crisis that began in 2023. Singh has previously said that the conflict caused major revenue losses and affected the livelihoods of people dependent on daily economic activity.
In September, Singh said the state had suffered substantial losses in revenue collection over the previous three years. He also highlighted the impact of bandhs and blockades on ordinary people, particularly daily wage workers.
The Chief Minister has therefore made dialogue a central part of his appeal. He has said that grievances can be taken to elected representatives and the government instead of relying on prolonged shutdowns or road blockades.
The state government has also taken steps to address some of the economic difficulties faced by affected families. Singh previously announced that financial assistance of Rs 10,000 would be provided to around 3,00,050 families affected by the economic disruption. The government said the required budgetary provision had been made for the assistance.
The government has also been seeking to encourage economic recovery and improve the environment for businesses and workers. The Chief Minister has emphasised that restoring normal economic activity is essential for Manipur to move towards sustained development.
The issue of bandhs and blockades has also prompted government action on maintaining the movement of essential goods and services. In September, the Manipur government warned of legal action against unlawful road blockades, highway obstructions and damage to public property. The order emphasised the need to ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities, fuel, medicines, emergency services and public transport.
The government’s position is that public grievances can be expressed through democratic means without disrupting essential services and economic activity. At the same time, the Chief Minister has stressed that the government remains open to discussions on issues raised by different sections of society.
For Manipur, the economic cost of prolonged disruptions extends beyond government tax collections. Businesses can face losses when shops and markets remain closed, while transport operators and workers can lose income when movement is restricted. Consumers can also experience difficulties when supplies are delayed.
The reported daily tax revenue estimate of Rs 25 crore to Rs 30 crore therefore reflects only one aspect of the wider economic impact described by the Chief Minister. The broader consequences include disruption to commercial activity, reduced earnings for workers and interruptions to the movement of goods and services.
Singh has urged the people of Manipur to focus on dialogue, peaceful coexistence and economic recovery. He has argued that the state’s historical links with neighbouring regions demonstrate the importance of cooperation among communities.
The Chief Minister’s message is that lasting development will depend on restoring stability and creating conditions in which businesses, workers and communities can operate without repeated disruptions.
As Manipur continues to deal with the economic effects of the crisis that began in 2023, the government faces the challenge of balancing public grievances, democratic expression and the need to maintain normal economic activity. The latest appeal from Singh places greater emphasis on dialogue as a means of addressing differences while limiting the economic disruption caused by bandhs and blockades.
