Imphal : Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday issued a heartfelt apology for the ethnic violence that has ravaged the state since May 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 250 people and displacing thousands. Speaking to reporters, Singh expressed deep regret over the tragic consequences of the conflict and called on all communities to forgive past mistakes and work together toward building a peaceful and prosperous future for Manipur.
Reflecting on the toll of the violence, Singh said, “I want to say sorry for what happened in the state. Many people lost their loved ones, and many had to leave their homes. I regret and want to apologise. But after seeing relative peace in the last three-four months, I hope that normalcy will be restored in the coming year.”
The ethnic violence, which erupted between the Meitei community of the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups from the surrounding hills, has caused widespread turmoil. However, Singh noted that there has been a marked decrease in violent incidents in recent months, which offers hope for the restoration of peace in the state. “From May to October 2023, 408 firing incidents were reported. From November 2023 to April 2024, there were 345 firing incidents. But from May this year till now, only 112 firing incidents have been reported,” he revealed.
Singh’s statement came as a ray of hope for the people of Manipur, as it signaled a possible shift towards healing and recovery. He urged the communities to come together, saying, “Whatever happened has happened… I want to appeal to all communities to forgive and forget our past mistakes and start life afresh by living together in a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.”
The chief minister also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the state government in addressing the fallout from the conflict. “So far, 3,112 looted weapons have been recovered, and 2,511 explosives have been seized,” he said. Additionally, 625 individuals have been arrested, and over 12,000 FIRs have been filed in connection with the violence.
Despite these efforts, the ethnic clashes have left a deep scar on the state, with thousands of families displaced and living in temporary shelters. Singh’s apology and his appeal for reconciliation come at a time when the state’s fragile peace is slowly beginning to take root, giving hope for a brighter future.
With the new year approaching, the people of Manipur remain cautiously optimistic, holding onto the hope that peace, stability, and unity will be restored in the region. The chief minister’s message of forgiveness and coexistence reflects the government’s commitment to overcoming the scars of the past and moving towards a peaceful tomorrow.