Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, called upon the people of the state to actively contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, stressing that peace, mutual trust, and collective effort are indispensable for Manipur to play its part in the country's development. He was speaking at the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan held at Yaorang Sabal Community Hall in Imphal.

Key Remarks on National Progress

Khemchand Singh highlighted Prime Minister Modi's 25 years of public service — from serving as a state chief minister to leading the country — and credited that tenure with transforming India's global economic standing. He noted that India was ranked 11th among the world's largest economies before Modi assumed the prime ministership, and has since risen to the fourth position. 'India has emerged as one of the world's largest economies during this period,' the Chief Minister said.

Economic Toll of the Ethnic Conflict

Turning to the situation at home, Khemchand Singh spoke candidly about the hardships triggered by the ethnic conflict that began on 3 May 2023. He said both the people and the government have endured 'significant collateral damage', and that the violence had directly eroded the state's fiscal base. According to the Chief Minister, Manipur's GST revenue has declined by more than ₹1,200 crore as a result of the sustained unrest — a figure that underscores the long economic shadow cast by the conflict.

Bandhs Are Hurting the Common People

The Chief Minister also addressed the recurring disruptions caused by bandhs and blockades, cautioning that a single day of shutdown can inflict an economic loss of approximately ₹20–25 crore, with daily wage earners bearing a disproportionate share of that burden. He appealed to people and civil society organisations to refrain from calling bandhs, arguing that such actions ultimately harm the very communities they are meant to represent. 'Such disruptions adversely affect the livelihood of the common people and the overall economy of the state,' Khemchand Singh said.

Trust-Building as a Development Prerequisite

Elaborating on the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework — Prime Minister Modi's goal of transforming India into a developed nation by the centenary of its Independence — the Chief Minister said Manipur must both contribute to and benefit from this national journey. He emphasised the need to close the 'trust deficit' among different communities, calling for greater mutual understanding and cooperation as a precondition for any meaningful development. Government officials present were also advised to ensure that welfare schemes reach intended beneficiaries without leakage or delay.

Programme Details

More than 30 service stalls and counters set up by various government departments were operational during the event, giving residents access to welfare schemes, government services, and information. The gathering was attended by Patsoi Assembly Constituency MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor (Keba) Singh, Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh, senior officials, departmental representatives, and a large number of local residents.

With the state still navigating the aftermath of over three years of ethnic violence, the Chief Minister's remarks signal a renewed push to tie Manipur's recovery to the broader national development narrative — though the path from dialogue to durable peace remains uncertain.