
IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has expressed deep regret and issued an apology to the people of the state for the ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued Manipur since May 2023. He acknowledged the hardships faced by the people, including the loss of lives, displacement, and the disruption caused by the violence.
Singh expressed sorrow for the events that have unfolded and conveyed his apologies to the citizens, particularly those who have suffered during this period of unrest.
Looking ahead, CM Singh hopes that the progress made towards peace over the past few months will help restore normalcy and peace in Manipur as the new year begins.
He appealed to all communities to move past the violence and start afresh, emphasizing the importance of living together in a peaceful and prosperous state.
The ethnic violence, which began between the Meitei and Kuki communities, initially concentrated in the Imphal Valley, later spread to Jiribam district in June following the discovery of a dead body. The conflict has led to widespread arson, gunfights, and destruction of homes, displacing over 1,000 people.
The conflict has also been marked by an increasing use of weapons smuggled from Myanmar. Officials have reported recovering various types of Myanmar-made weapons and other equipment from militants and their hideouts in Manipur. Additionally, the forces have seized bulletproof vests and military equipment, all of which were smuggled across the border.
The violence, exacerbated by the use of weapons, has claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless. Authorities have recovered several Myanmar-manufactured weapons, bulletproof vests, and military gear used by militants.
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