Quick Glance
- Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh said prolonged unrest severely damaged the state economy.
- Daily wage earners and labourers faced the worst impact during the crisis.
- The Chief Minister appealed to people to avoid bandhs, blockades and violent protests.
- Several noted writers received Manipur State Literature Awards 2024 in Imphal.
Imphal/Agartala: Imphal witnessed a strong appeal for peace and unity on Saturday as Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the prolonged unrest in the state badly affected the economy and disrupted livelihoods. Speaking at the Manipur State Award for Literature 2024 ceremony, the Chief Minister stressed the need for communal harmony, stability and collective development.
CM Highlights Economic Impact of Manipur Crisis
Addressing writers, artists and cultural figures in Imphal, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said Manipur has passed through a difficult and turbulent period over the last few years. According to him, the unrest weakened economic activity across the state and created severe hardships for common people.
He pointed out that daily wage earners, labourers and low-income families suffered the most because they depend on regular income to survive. The Chief Minister said repeated disruptions affected businesses, transportation and normal public life in several districts of Manipur.
The statement comes at a time when the state continues efforts to restore normalcy after months of instability and social tension.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of literature and cultural expression in preserving society during difficult times. He said literature acts as a guiding force for civilisation and helps communities protect their cultural identity and traditions.
Appeal Against Bandhs and Blockades
During his speech, Singh urged citizens to avoid bandhs, economic blockades and shutdowns. He stated that such protests mostly hurt poor workers and ordinary citizens rather than authorities.
The Chief Minister said many labourers lose their daily earnings whenever roads remain blocked or markets stay closed. He appealed to people to adopt peaceful and constructive ways to express grievances.
He also expressed concern over incidents of vandalism during recent protests. Referring to damage caused to iron railings installed along Tiddim Road in Imphal, Singh said destruction of public infrastructure weakens development efforts and creates a negative image of society.
According to him, the railings were installed for beautification and public safety. He requested citizens not to engage in destructive activities that could further damage Manipur’s fragile economy.
Peace and Harmony Essential for Development
The Chief Minister strongly emphasised the need for peace and communal harmony among all communities living in Manipur. He said development cannot take place without stability and mutual trust.
Singh appealed to people to rise above divisions and work together for rebuilding the state’s economy and social structure. He added that collective cooperation remains necessary for restoring growth and prosperity in Manipur.
Political observers in the Northeast believe the government’s repeated calls for peace indicate the administration’s focus on rebuilding confidence among different communities after prolonged unrest.
Literary Personalities Honoured at State Ceremony
The Manipur State Award for Literature 2024 ceremony also celebrated the contribution of distinguished writers and literary figures to Manipuri literature and culture.
Noted writer Kangjam Ibohal Singh, widely known as I.S. Kangjam, received the Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award in Literature 2024. The award included a citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs 4 lakh.
Poet and writer Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi received the Manipur State Award for Literature 2024 for her poetry collection Thamamba Ahing. She received a citation, shawl and cash reward of Rs 3 lakh.
Young writer Akoijam Jiten won the Manipur State Young Writer’s Award for Literature 2024 for his book Khyum Nongdam Kao. The award carried a citation, shawl and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Award Details at a Glance
| Award Category | Recipient | Work | Cash Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Kangjam Ibohal Singh (I.S. Kangjam) | Contribution to Literature | Rs 4 lakh |
| Manipur State Award for Literature 2024 | Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi | Thamamba Ahing | Rs 3 lakh |
| Young Writer’s Award 2024 | Akoijam Jiten | Khyum Nongdam Kao | Rs 1 lakh |
Art and Culture Minister Explains Delay
Manipur Art and Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh also addressed the gathering. He admitted that the state government delayed the presentation of the literary awards because of the prolonged crisis in Manipur.
The minister said instability affected several government departments and slowed administrative functioning across sectors. However, he praised writers and literary personalities for continuing their contribution despite challenging circumstances.
Loken Singh urged the literary community not to feel disappointed because of the delay in organising the awards ceremony. He assured them that the government would continue supporting literature, language preservation and cultural development.
The minister also acknowledged that many developmental projects across the state suffered setbacks during the unrest. Still, he maintained that the government is working continuously to restore normal life and recover economic losses.
He appealed to citizens to cooperate with the administration and support efforts aimed at peace, development and long-term stability in Manipur.
Manipur Literature Awards Continue Cultural Legacy
The Manipur State Award for Literature has been presented every year since 2008 under the Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation.
This year marked a significant milestone because the state introduced two new honours for the first time — the Manipur State Lifetime Achievement Award for Literature and the Manipur State Young Writer’s Award for Literature.
Cultural experts believe these awards will encourage more young writers and researchers to contribute to Manipuri literature, indigenous languages and regional heritage.
The ceremony also reflected the government’s attempt to strengthen cultural unity at a time when Manipur continues to recover from prolonged social and economic challenges. (With IANS Input)