Manipur CM: Ethnic violence since May 2023 has drained state finances
Synopsis
Manipur's ethnic crisis, now in its third year, has left a deep fiscal scar — Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh's candid admission at the Excise Raising Day puts a public face on what budget documents have only hinted at. Against that backdrop, a ₹29 crore revenue collection by the Excise Department in under a year stands out as one of the few functioning pillars of state finance.
Key Takeaways
Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh stated on 25 August that ethnic violence since May 2023 has severely strained the state's financial resources.
He was speaking at the 79th Manipur Excise Raising Day at Lamphelpat, Imphal West .
The Excise Department collected approximately ₹29 crore in revenue since 26 March 2026 — in under a year.
Joint operations by state and Central security forces were credited with helping contain the prolonged ethnic crisis.
Ariha Pangambam was felicitated for winning India's first Gold Medal at the 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships .
Four individuals received meritorious awards for outstanding service in the Excise Department.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday, 25 August said the unprecedented ethnic violence that erupted in the state in May 2023 has severely strained Manipur's financial resources and dealt a lasting blow to its economy. He was speaking at the 79th Manipur Excise Raising Day ceremony held at the Excise Headquarters Office in Lamphelpat, Imphal West.
CM's Assessment of the Crisis
Chief Minister Singh acknowledged the scale of the challenges the state has faced since the ethnic conflict broke out more than two years ago. He credited coordinated operations by state and Central security forces with helping contain the prolonged crisis, noting that joint efforts had been effective in curbing violence on the ground.
He said the government continues to work towards restoring normalcy and addressing the wide-ranging difficulties that have emerged from the crisis — a signal that the administration views recovery as an ongoing, multi-front effort rather than a concluded chapter.
Excise Department's Revenue Role
Highlighting a rare bright spot amid the financial strain, Singh lauded the Excise Department and collaborating agencies for collecting approximately ₹29 crore in state revenue since 26 March 2026 — a period of less than a year. He stressed the importance of reinforcing the department's capacity to enforce laws against the illegal production, transportation, and sale of liquor and other prohibited substances.
The Chief Minister assured that grievances submitted by the Excise Employees' Association would be examined and addressed, underscoring the department's role in both public health and fiscal stability.
Commissioner Finance N. Ashok Kumar echoed this, saying the department has been instrumental in protecting the financial health of the state government. He committed to addressing staff shortfalls, improving infrastructure, and providing policy support to strengthen the department further.
Athlete Felicitation
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Chief Minister Singh felicitated Ariha Pangambam, who became the first Indian to win a Gold Medal at the recently concluded 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships. Anjori Pangambam, who secured seventh position in the same event, was also recognised.
Awards and Ceremony
The observance included a cultural programme and a series of award distributions — among them the Best Performing Excise Station award, a Meritorious Award, and a Special Award. Four individuals received meritorious awards for outstanding performance and dedication to service.
As Manipur continues to navigate the economic and humanitarian fallout of its ethnic crisis, the government's focus on revenue generation and institutional strengthening signals an attempt to stabilise state finances even as the path to full normalcy remains uncertain.
Point of View
No timeline for economic recovery, and no structural plan beyond appeals to the Excise Department. With the conflict now past the two-year mark and normalcy still elusive, the gap between the government's stabilisation rhetoric and verifiable ground-level recovery deserves sharper scrutiny than a ceremonial address allows.
NationPress
25 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh say about the ethnic violence?
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said on 25 August that the ethnic violence which began in May 2023 has severely strained Manipur's financial resources and adversely affected the state's economy. He made the remarks at the 79th Manipur Excise Raising Day ceremony in Imphal West.
How much revenue has Manipur's Excise Department collected amid the crisis?
The Excise Department collected approximately ₹29 crore in state revenue since 26 March 2026, in a period of less than a year. Chief Minister Singh lauded this as a significant contribution to state finances during a difficult period.
Who is Ariha Pangambam and why was she felicitated?
Ariha Pangambam is the first Indian to win a Gold Medal at the 10th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships. Chief Minister Singh felicitated her at the Excise Raising Day ceremony, along with Anjori Pangambam who finished seventh in the same event.
What is the current status of the Manipur ethnic crisis?
The ethnic conflict, which erupted in May 2023, has continued for over two years. The CM acknowledged that joint operations by state and Central security forces have helped contain violence, and that the government is working to restore normalcy, though challenges persist.
What awards were given at the Manipur Excise Raising Day?
The ceremony included distribution of the Best Performing Excise Station award, a Meritorious Award, and a Special Award. Four individuals received meritorious awards for outstanding performance and dedication to service in the Excise Department.
