Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday claimed that those who are indulging in politics in his apology to the people over the 20-month-long ethnic conflict are “seeking unrest” in the northeastern state. He added that his government’s priority is to restore peace.
Claiming that “past is past”, he appealed to communities to sit together and find a permanent solution to the conflict that has plagued the northeastern state since May 2023.
“Those who are indulging in politics in my statement are seeking unrest. The opposition has no ideology. What I said was an expression of sadness and grief…My apology was to those who have been suffering and have lost their loved ones. Why should I say sorry to terrorists? I am saying sorry to the innocent people and those who were displaced from their homes,” Singh said.
The chief minister had on Tuesday apologised for the ethnic conflict in the state, which claimed more than 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless and appealed to all communities to “forget and forgive” past mistakes and start afresh.
“This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what’s happening till today since last May 3,” he said while addressing a press conference.
“I convey my peace message to the community members residing in the state. Again, let us forgive and forget. Past is past. We should sit together and bring a permanent solution. Priority should be the restoration of peace,” he added.
The CM said at the press conference that the violence claimed over 200 lives. He said over 12,000 FIRs had been registered, more than 600 accused arrested, and 5,600 weapons and explosives recovered along with 35,000 rounds of ammo.
He said 2,058 displaced families had been resettled in their original homes, including areas in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur.
Soon after Biren Singh’s “apology”, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, “For 19 months, the Chief Minister did not say anything… But the question is not what the Chief Minister said today. The question is why did the Prime Minister not break his silence on Manipur for 19 months? Why did he not go to Manipur? Why didn’t he meet with the MLAs there? Why didn’t he meet the political parties there? Why didn’t he meet the people there? The Chief Minister can say anything, he is just a puppet. The real failure in Manipur is the Prime Minister’s.”