Guwahati/Imphal
As the year draws to a close, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said “sorry” for the unfortunate developments in the northeastern state due to the ethnic clashes that started last year. He, however, said the year ends on an optimistic note and that he hoped that normalcy will return to the strife-torn State in 2025.
“This entire year has been very unfortunate. I want to say sorry to the people of the State for what’s happening till today since last May 3. Till now, altogether roughly 200 people have died, around 12,247 FIRs were registered, 625 accused were arrested and around 5,600 arms and weapons including 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 Chief Minister said.
“I hope after seeing the last three to four months progress towards the peace, I believe by 2025, normalcy will be restored in the State,” Singh told reporters in a press conference.
“I want to appeal to all the communities in the State, whatever happened has happened. You have to forgive and forget the past mistakes and we have to start a new life (towards) a peaceful and prosperous Manipur,” he said, adding that all 35 tribes in Manipur should live together in harmony.
“On the eve of a new year, I reflect on the progress we’ve made together in 2024 and the challenges we’ve overcome. As we step into 2025, I reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive state,” the CM posted on ‘X’ later.
The violence in Manipur erupted over the Meities community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the tribal Kukis’ opposition to this. The Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley while the tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 per cent of the population and reside mainly in the hills.
