Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has publicly apologized to the people of the state for the ethnic violence that has plagued the region since May 2023. Expressing deep regret over the ongoing turmoil, Singh acknowledged the immense suffering endured by the people, including the loss of lives and displacement of thousands.
“This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret, and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what has been happening since May 3. Many people have lost their loved ones, and many people have been forced to leave their homes. I really feel regret. I would like to apologize,” Singh stated in his address.
Ethnic Conflict and Its Impact
The violence, primarily between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has led to widespread destruction and chaos across Manipur. Initially confined to the Imphal Valley and surrounding areas, the conflict spread to the relatively peaceful Jiribam district in June 2023, further escalating the situation. The violence was sparked by the discovery of a man’s body in Jiribam, which ignited arson, gunfights, and house burnings between the two communities.
The ethnic violence has resulted in more than 250 deaths and left thousands displaced. Over 1,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, with many taking refuge in temporary shelters across the state.
Weapon Smuggling and Escalating Tensions
A concerning aspect of the violence has been the increasing use of weapons smuggled from neighboring Myanmar. Authorities have recovered a variety of Myanmar-manufactured weapons, including bulletproof vests and military fatigues, further intensifying the severity of the conflict.
Officials have expressed concern about the rising availability of these weapons, which have exacerbated the violence and made it more difficult for security forces to restore peace.
Hope for Peace and Reconciliation
Despite the grim reality, Chief Minister Biren Singh remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution. He expressed confidence that the state’s progress toward peace in the last few months would lead to a more stable and harmonious Manipur in the coming year.
“I hope that with the New Year 2025, normalcy and peace will be restored in the state. I want to appeal to all the communities of the state to move forward together. Whatever happened has happened, and now we have to forget past mistakes and start a new life. A peaceful Manipur, a prosperous Manipur, should be our collective goal,” Singh appealed.
As the state continues to grapple with the consequences of the ethnic violence, Singh’s apology and his call for unity offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful future, as Manipur enters 2025.
Sources By Agencies
