Manipur CM N Biren Singh apologizes for violence, says "I feel regret" and calls for peace in 2025

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh publicly apologized to the people of the state on December 31, for the ethnic violence that has severely affected the region since May 2023. Singh expressed regret over the loss of over 250 lives and the widespread displacement of thousands of people due to the violent clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict, which began when the Meitei community demanded Scheduled Tribe status, has resulted in significant destruction and ongoing unrest across the state.

The violence initially erupted in the Imphal Valley, where Meitei groups clashed with Kuki and other tribal communities, but the unrest spread to districts such as Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and even Jiribam. The conflict escalated with incidents of arson, violent skirmishes, and widespread destruction of property, forcing many to abandon their homes. Many areas, once peaceful, have witnessed continued fighting, contributing to the destabilization of the region. The violence has also led to the displacement of more than 1,000 people, most of whom are living in temporary shelters across the state.

One of the key issues fueling the conflict has been the illegal smuggling of arms and ammunition from Myanmar. Security forces in the state have seized a range of weapons, including firearms, bulletproof vests, and military-grade equipment, believed to have been used by militants. These weapons have played a significant role in intensifying the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Security forces have been actively engaging in operations to recover weapons and curtail militant activities, but the continued presence of armed groups has hindered efforts to restore peace.

In his statement, Singh acknowledged the hardships faced by the people of Manipur, particularly those who lost their loved ones or were displaced from their homes. He expressed sorrow for the suffering caused by the violence and stated, "I feel regret and want to apologize to the people of the state for what is happening." Singh emphasized that, despite the challenges, the state has made significant progress towards restoring peace over the past few months, especially in terms of reducing the frequency of violent clashes. He expressed hope that, with continued efforts, normalcy could be restored in 2025.

Singh appealed to all communities in Manipur to forgive past grievances and work together to rebuild a peaceful and prosperous future. He urged the people of the state to move past the violence and focus on restoring harmony and unity. The government has deployed additional security personnel to ensure the safety of affected communities and to prevent further outbreaks of violence. Singh reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing aid to those displaced and to continuing efforts to secure the state’s borders to prevent further influxes of illegal weapons.