On New Year’s Eve, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh apologised to the people of the State for the suffering caused by the prolonged unrest. “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, 2023” the Chief Minister said during a press conference in Imphal on Tuesday.

Acknowledging the pain endured by families who lost loved ones or were displaced, Biren Singh stated, “Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I apologise.”

He expressed hope that peace efforts made over recent months would yield results and said, “I believe by 2025, normalcy will be restored in the state.”

The Chief Minister also shared an update on law enforcement efforts, revealing that approximately 250 lives were lost during the violence, with 12,247 FIRs registered, 625 individuals arrested, and 5,600 weapons, including explosives and 35,000 rounds of ammunition, recovered.

In addressing the displacement crisis, he assured that the central government had provided sufficient resources. “The Centre has given enough funds to help displaced families and construct new houses. Security personnel have also been adequately deployed,” he said.

The ethnic clashes, which erupted in May 2023, marked one of the most challenging years for Manipur, leaving the state grappling with loss and recovery efforts.