CM Biren Singh Apologizes for Manipur Conflict

by The_unmuteenglish

Imphal, 31 Dec. 2024: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday offered a formal apology to the people of Manipur for the ethnic conflict that has rocked the state, resulting in more than 250 deaths and leaving thousands of families displaced.

Singh called for forgiveness and unity among all communities, urging them to move beyond past mistakes in order to build a peaceful and prosperous future for the state.

In a public statement, Singh addressed the ongoing efforts to restore peace, acknowledging the trauma inflicted by the violence. “I want to sincerely apologize for what has happened in our state. Many have lost their loved ones, and countless others have been forced to leave their homes. I deeply regret the pain caused, and I extend my heartfelt apology to those affected by the conflict,” Singh said during his address to the media.

Singh expressed cautious optimism about the prospects of peace, noting the relatively calm period in the past few months. “In the last three to four months, there has been relative peace in the state. This gives me hope that with the continued efforts of all, we will restore normalcy by the New Year,” he said. He also underscored the need for healing, urging all communities to move forward. “Whatever has occurred, has happened. It is time for us to forgive and forget our past mistakes and begin anew, living together in harmony for a peaceful, prosperous Manipur,” the chief minister added.

The conflict, which erupted in May 2023 between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjacent hills, has left deep scars on the state’s social fabric. Since its outbreak, the violence has resulted in widespread destruction and disruption, with firing incidents being a regular feature of the unrest. However, Singh provided a promising overview of recent developments in the security situation, indicating a clear decline in the number of such incidents.

“As of October 2023, there were 408 reported firing incidents across the state. Between November 2023 and April 2024, that number dropped to 345, and since May this year, we have witnessed only 112 such incidents,” Singh stated. This reduction signals the state’s slow but steady progress toward restoring peace, he added.

In addition to efforts to control violence, Singh provided an update on law enforcement actions taken against armed groups. “We have successfully recovered 3,112 looted weapons and seized 2,511 explosives during this period,” he revealed. He also emphasized that significant steps have been taken to hold those responsible for the violence accountable. “So far, 625 individuals have been arrested, and 12,047 FIRs have been filed,” he added.

Despite the violent toll the conflict has exacted, Singh’s appeal reflects a growing desire for reconciliation.

More than 250 people have died, and thousands have been displaced, but with peace appearing on the horizon, Singh encouraged everyone to look forward rather than dwell on the past. “It is crucial that we let go of past grievances. We must forgive and move forward together in peace,” he urged, reiterating his call for unity and healing in the region.

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