Manipur CM Acknowledges Ethnic Conflict, Calls on Communities to Forgive and Move Forward

IMPHAL, Dec 31: On Tuesday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed his regret over the ethnic turmoil that has resulted in over 250 fatalities and displaced numerous individuals in the state. He urged all communities to set aside past grievances and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future together.
Speaking to journalists, Singh noted that there has been a period of relative calm in the state over the past three to four months, which raises his hopes for a return to normalcy in the upcoming year.
“I extend my heartfelt apologies for the events that have occurred in our state. Many have lost loved ones and had to abandon their homes. I sincerely regret these losses and apologize. However, having witnessed a semblance of peace in recent months, I am hopeful that we can restore normalcy in the coming year.
“The past is in the past. I urge all communities to forgive and forget our mistakes and to begin anew by living together harmoniously in a prosperous Manipur,” he stated.
Singh highlighted a significant decline in firing incidents since the ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023, citing statistics of 408 reported incidents from May to October 2023, compared to 345 from November 2023 to April 2024, and just 112 incidents reported from May of this year to present.
He added that of the weapons that were looted, 3,112 have been recovered, along with the seizure of 2,511 explosives during this timeframe.
The Chief Minister also revealed that 625 individuals have been arrested and 12,047 FIRs have been filed in connection with the unrest.
The violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjacent hills has led to the loss of more than 250 lives and has displaced thousands of residents since May of last year. (Agencies)