Sangeeta Das
Manipur’s tourism sector has been facing
noticeable decline owing to ethnic clashes and subsequent violent incidents
since May 3. The data showed reduction in tourist flow by 10 to 20 per cent in
this Northeastern State, highlighted Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
CM Singh, however, pinpointing towards
the brighter side, noted that “normalcy is there”, “particularly in the Imphal
area and other parts of the hills except for two districts”.
He urged the reporters present in the
conference and people in general to look at those four to five months of 2023
when “there was no crisis” and “everything was peaceful”.
“From May 3, you are counting eight
months… We should not count these eight months but only the moment when the
crisis took place. Problem-solving takes time,” added the Manipur CM.
Tourism industry, vital for Manipur’s
economy, has an ample opportunity to grow by leaps and bound as the State is
acclaimed for its rich history, art, culture, sports, natural beauty, wildlife,
festivals, unique flora and fauna and salubrious climate. The State Government
realises its full potential.
Consequently, keeping aside these
setbacks and looking forward to getting back to its past glory, CM Biren has
made an urgent plea to all the citizens of the nation in general, and of
Manipur in particular to move forward with a peaceful dialogue, shunning
violence .
“We all have to live together. We all
have to resettle the displaced people in their respective homes. Children have
to continue study and go to school,” he said.
Serving as the CM since 2017, Biren
Singh is resolute to bring back stability and boost tourism once again. He has
been actively pursuing to solve grave matters of the State without resorting to
harsh methods.
His strategy to control unrest is being
tested yet again as the Kuki-Zo protesters have created obstruction in the
smooth functioning of Manipur State Transport inter-district passenger buses on
designated routes.
Responding to it, CM Biren reiterated
the government’s commitment to “refrain from employing disproportionate force,
highlighting the shared responsibility towards all residents, irrespective of
their group affiliations”.
CM Biren said he won’t use “excessive
force” against his “own people”.
The first from the Bharatiya Janata
Party to hold the designation of CM in Manipur, he has a varied background as a
former footballer and a journalist, who continues to work towards his goal
regarding the beautiful State.
