Manipur Chief Minister Expresses Regret Over Violence, Anticipates Peace in the New Year
Click to start listening
Imphal, Dec 31 (NationPress) Manipur's Chief Minister N. Biren Singh publicly expressed his remorse regarding the regrettable events that have unfolded in the state due to the ethnic violence that began in May of the previous year.
While addressing the press, the Chief Minister noted that the year is concluding on a hopeful note, expressing his wish for peace and normalcy to return to the state as we enter the New Year 2025.
He stated: “I apologise to all victims and their families.”
“It is truly heartbreaking that numerous individuals have lost their loved ones, and many have been forced to abandon their homes and villages. Nevertheless, given the positive changes observed over the past three to four months, I remain optimistic that peace and normalcy will be restored in the New Year 2025,” Singh articulated.
The Chief Minister remarked that Manipur hosts approximately 34 to 35 diverse communities, adding, “We can coexist after forgiving the past.”
“I urge all communities to unite and collaborate towards making Manipur a thriving place,” he emphasized.
“As we approach the New Year, I reflect on our collective achievements in 2024 and the hurdles that lie ahead. As we transition into 2025, I reaffirm our pledge to cultivate a more robust and inclusive state.”
Providing insights on the violence over the past 20 months, the Chief Minister disclosed that approximately 200 lives have been lost, around 12,247 FIRs filed, and 625 individuals apprehended.
He also noted that security forces have seized about 5,600 firearms, a substantial amount of explosives, and roughly 35,000 rounds of ammunition from various districts.
“Significant progress has been made by the security forces in addressing the violence. The central government has allocated sufficient security personnel and resources to assist the displaced individuals and rebuild homes for affected families,” the Chief Minister stated.
Recently, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh acknowledged that resolving the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state will require time due to the situation's complexity, chronic nature, and fragility.
He assured that the situation in Manipur is gradually improving, with most districts remaining incident-free for several months.
“The state and central security forces, alongside the civil administration, are diligently working to uphold a violence-free environment and provide essential services to the populace,” Biren Singh informed the press.
