Imphal: Tourist arrivals in Manipur have dropped sharply to around 17,000 in 2024–25 from 1.79 lakh in 2019–20, as ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continued for over two years, according to an official statement.
The statement added that apart from the ongoing unrest, the steep rise in airfares has also contributed to the sharp decline in tourist arrivals in the state.
The state government officials raised the issue of high airfare during a meeting with Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who arrived in Imphal on Monday.
Upon arrival, the union minister reviewed various central schemes and 10 per cent Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) during a meeting at the Old Secretariat’s conference hall in Imphal.
Manipur’s Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Bajpai urged the union minister to raise the issue of steep airfares with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, noting that the state government has already written to the ministry on the matter.
Union Minister Kumar was also apprised of the funds released by the Ministry of Home Affairs for relief operations and the resettlement and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Kumar reviewed the progress of various programmes implemented by state government departments across key sectors such as health, education, transport and connectivity, power, tourism, rural development, housing, agriculture and food processing, as well as handloom, handicrafts, and textiles, among others.
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The meeting also reviewed various flagship schemes of the Central government along with state government initiatives, in the presence of administrative secretaries, department heads, and other senior officials.
Kumar also assured to extend necessary support from the Centre to ensure the development and progress of the state.
He said, “Requested the state government to submit a comprehensive action plan within a week, outlining short, medium, and long-term goals for development. Suggested organizing “Manipur Melas” nationwide to promote local handlooms and crafts, and engaging corporate hospitals to bring super-specialty care to the state.”
