Ethnic violence: Manipur CM Biren Singh apologises
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Imphal: On the day of the end of 2024, the communal conflict marred Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh apologised to the people in the state. He said on Tuesday that he is sorry for the unfortunate situation that started last year in the state. He expressed optimism that the coming year will bring back normalcy in the state, which was tottering under the intense ethnic clashes, violence and deaths.
He noted this year, many lost their loved ones and homes and got evacuated. But the last three or four months saw progress towards peace.
The CM of the northeast state said, "This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what's been happening till today since last May 3. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I feel regret. I apologise. But now, I hope after seeing the last three to four months progress towards the peace, I believe by 2025, the normalcy will be restored in the state," NDTV quoted.
He appealed to every community in the state to forgive and forget whatever happened in the past and start a new life towards a peaceful and prosperous state of Manipur. He reminded that all the 35 tribes in the state must live together in harmony.
The violent incidents due to ethnic strife in the state have claimed 180 lives since May last year. All incidents started with the Meitiei community demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the tribal Kukis opposing it. When Meities account for 53 per cent of the state’s population, the tribal communities Nagas and Kukis constitute 40 per cent. The former mostly live in the valleys, while the latter live in the hills.