Imphal, Feb. 11 -- The ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which erupted in May 2023, have dealt a blow to the tourism industry in Manipur, leading to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals.

According to the state tourism department, the number of domestic tourists visiting Manipur saw a drastic drop after the conflict began. Compared to an average of 10,753 domestic tourists per month in the first quarter of 2023, the numbers plummeted to a mere 831 and 2,384 in June and December respectively.

Foreign tourist arrivals also witnessed a significant decline, dropping from an average of 655 per month in the first quarter to 88 and 207 in June and December respectively.

This sharp decline reflects a stark contrast ...