The Chief Minister of Manipur, India, Biren Singh, issued a public apology on Tuesday for the ethnic unrest that has plagued the state for several months. The violence, which began in May 2023, has resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced 60,000 people. The conflict primarily involves the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kuki people. Tensions flared after a court ruling directed the state government to consider extending special economic benefits and quotas in jobs and education to the Meitei population, similar to those the Kuki people receive.
“I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what’s happening,” Singh said, expressing regret over the loss of life and the displacement of residents. He added that despite ongoing attacks, peace efforts have made progress, and he remains hopeful for a return to normalcy in the new year.
The unrest has intensified over competition for land, jobs, and political power between the two groups, with weapons in widespread circulation. The Kukis accuse Singh, a Meitei and member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, of being complicit in attacks on their community, calling for his removal. Singh has denied these claims, while the federal government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has rejected accusations of inaction, pointing to the deployment of tens of thousands of security personnel to address the situation.
