CM N. Biren Singh Apologizes Over Manipur Violence, Hopes for Peace by 2025

Manipur, December 31: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh publicly apologized for the ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023. Speaking on Tuesday, Singh expressed deep regret for the turmoil, which has claimed over 180 lives and displaced thousands. He also voiced optimism that peace and normalcy would be restored by 2025, citing recent progress.

“This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to apologise to the people of the state for what has been happening since May 3 last year. Many have lost their loved ones, and others have been displaced from their homes. I deeply regret this,” said the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

N. Biren Singh appealed for unity among Manipur’s communities, emphasizing the need to move forward together. “Whatever happened, happened. We must forgive and forget past mistakes and start a new chapter for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur. All 35 tribes in the state must strive to live together in harmony,” he added.

Congress drew a sharp response as it criticized the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, for inaction and lack of engagement with the state. The Congress general secretary, Jairam Ramesh, made a post on X stating that while the Prime Minister is extensively traveling within India and abroad, he is ignoring Manipur.

#WATCH | Imphal: Manipur CM N Biren Singh says "This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I… pic.twitter.com/tvAxInKPdg

— ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2024

“Why can’t the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there? He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4, 2023, even as he jets around the country and the world. The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect,” Ramesh said.

Background of the Violence

The ethnic violence in Manipur started in May 2023, following the demand of the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which was opposed by the tribal Kukis. The Meiteis, who make up 53% of Manipur’s population, mainly live in the Imphal Valley, while the hill regions are inhabited by tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, who constitute 40% of the population.

Attempts at restorative peace are continuous. While the Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted a sense of improvement over the last few months, challenges lie in the need to reconcile community differences, so deep-rooted.

As Manipur inches toward recovery, Singh’s apology and call for unity may mark a step toward healing. However, the political sparring between the state government and opposition parties underscores the complexities of navigating this sensitive issue.

For the people of Manipur, the journey toward peace and harmony remains fraught, but the hope for a brighter future persists.