Biren Singh apologises for violence in Manipur, hopes for peace in 2025

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has publicly apologised for the ethnic violence that has plagued the northeastern state since May last year. Reflecting on the turmoil, he expressed regret for the loss and displacement suffered by the people but ended the year with a message of hope, envisioning a return to normalcy in 2025.

"This year has been extremely unfortunate," Singh said. "I want to apologise to the people of Manipur for everything that has happened since May 3 last year. Many have lost loved ones, and countless others have been forced to leave their homes. I deeply regret this. However, the progress toward peace in the past three to four months gives me confidence that normalcy will be restored by 2025."

The Chief Minister called for unity among the state’s communities, urging them to move forward by forgiving past mistakes. "I appeal to all communities in Manipur: let us leave behind what has happened and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future where all 35 tribes of the state coexist harmoniously," he added.

The ethnic clashes, sparked by tensions between the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and opposition from the tribal Kuki community, have claimed over 180 lives. The Meiteis, who form 53% of the state’s population, primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, while the tribal Nagas and Kukis, comprising 40%, inhabit the surrounding hill regions.