Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that he feels regret for what has been happening in Manipur since 3 May 2023 and said “sorry” to the people of the State. Addressing the media persons on 31 December 2024, Singh said that the entire year had been “very unfortunate” and recalled that many people lost their loved ones and many people had to leave their homes. “I really feel regret. I would like to apologize,” he said.

Further, he appealed to all communities to “forgive and forget” the past mistakes. “Whatever has happened has happened”, Singh said, calling the people to start a new life, a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.

The Chief Minister noted the progress towards peace in the last three to four months and expressed hope that normalcy will be restored in the State in the New Year 2025.

He also mentioned during the press conference that around 200 people had died since the ethnic violence between the Meitei and the Kuki communities erupted. Singh informed that around 12,247 FIRs were registered while 625 accused have been arrested. Around 5,600 arms and weapons and around 35,000 ammunitions have been recovered, the Chief Minister stated.

“Good progress is there in tackling the issues”, he said, adding that the Centre has providing enough security personnel and enough funds to help the displaced families and persons, and to construct new houses for them.