Economic implications of intra-state conflict:Evidence from Manipur state of India

Manipur is one of the eight states in North-East India. The economy of the state is primarily dependent on agriculture which contributes a major share to the total state domestic product and provides employment to about 52 per cent of the total workforce in Manipur. Other sectors which contribute to the economy of the state are allied activities of agriculture sector, industry sector comprising small and cottage industry and service sector. The state is inhabited by various ethnic groups having their own distinctive cultural affinity which can be broadly divided into Meiteis, Naga Tribes and Kuki-Chin-Mizo Tribes. The state has experienced many conflicts between them. Tensions between them are mainly for control of resources and land, but in recent times politics has been involved which give tensions a new and dangerous dimension altogether. Today more than 30 armed groups operate in Manipur. The study undertakes a special concern about the economic implications of ethnic conflicts in Manipur state. The valley life is frequently disturbed by the oft occurrences of bandhs, strikes and economic blockade. This affects the economic condition of people of Manipur and thereby makes them poor.