"I want to say sorry to people of the state": CM Biren Singh on Manipur violence, calls for peace in 2025

Imphal (Manipur) [India], December 31 (ANI): "Apologising" for the ongoing crisis in the state in which around 200 people have died and many left their homes, Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday asked people to "forget the past" and start a new life for peaceful and prosperous Manipur.
The violence in Manipur between the Meitei and the Kuki communities erupted after a rally by the All Tribal Students Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on May 3, 2023, following the Manipur High Court order directing the state to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
Reflecting on the crisis, the Manipur CM said, "This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what is happening till today, since last May 3."
"Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I really feel regret. I would like to apologise," he added.
Singh further appealed to the various communities in the state to "forget past mistakes and start a new life".
"Now, I hope after seeing the last 3-4 months' progress towards peace, 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 that whatever happened has happened. We now have to forget past mistakes and have to start a new life. A peaceful Manipur, a prosperous Manipur, we should all live together," he said.
Manipur Chief Minister further said that till date about 200 people have died and around 12,247 FIRs have been registered in the state.
Addressing a press conference, Singh noted that 625 accused were arrested and around 5600 arms and weapons were also recovered.
He further stated that the central government has provided funds to construct new houses for the displaced persons.
"Till now, altogether roughly 200 people have died, and around 12,247 FIRs were registered, and 625 accused were arrested, and around 5,600 arms and weapons were included, and around 35,000 ammunitions were recovered. Good progress is there in tackling the issues. The central government has provided enough security personnel and enough funds to help the displaced families and enough funds to construct new houses for the displaced persons," the Manipur CM stated. (ANI)