'I am sorry': Manipur CM apologises for ethnic violence, appeals for unity

Promises Normalcy in 2025, urges all communities to forget, forgive past mistakes

IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday extended a heartfelt apology for the ethnic conflict that has plagued the state since May 2023, resulting in over 250 deaths and thousands of displaced families. In a bid to foster reconciliation, he appealed to all communities to forgive past mistakes and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

"I want to say sorry for what happened in the state. Many people lost their loved ones, and many had to leave their homes. I regret and want to apologise. But after seeing relative peace in the last three-four months, I hope that normalcy will be restored in the coming year," Singh said during a press briefing.

The chief minister acknowledged the immense human and social cost of the conflict, which erupted between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hills-based Kuki-Zo groups. Urging unity, he said, "Whatever happened has happened... I want to appeal to all communities to forgive and forget our past mistakes and start life afresh by living together in a peaceful and prosperous Manipur."