Imphal: In his Christmas message to people, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh admitted that Manipur violence, which kileld over 180 people and displaced thousands since May 3, the day it flared up, has taken a toll on state's tourism with revenue dropping 10-20 per cent.
Singh has appealed to the people to stop violence and start a peaceful dialogue to end the ethnic crisis. "We cannot deny (tourism) is affected. But particularly in the Imphal area and other parts of the hills except two districts, normalcy is there. But (tourism) has reduced by 10-20 per cent. During the crisis time, even in the Imphal valley, security vehicles were not allowed to move. We have to take some time because all are our people. We cannot use force against them. Slowly, normalcy is returning. We have to convince the people," he said.
On being asked about the violence in Manipur in the year 2023, the CM said that "We should not count 8 months" as there were 4-5 months when there was no crisis in the state. "From May 3, you are counting 8 months but for 4-5 months, there was no crisis. Everything was peaceful. We should not count 8 months but only the time when the crisis took place. Problem-solving takes time. But in the meantime, I want to appeal to all the citizens of the country, particularly those in Manipur, to stop violence and start peaceful dialogue. We have to live together. We have to resettle the displaced person in their respective places. Children have to go to school," he added.
