​​​​​​​NEW DELHI

The top elected official in the Indian state of Manipur Tuesday tendered apology over deaths during ethnic clashes, in the first such instance since tensions erupted in the northeastern region in May 2023 that claimed over 250 lives.

“This entire year has been very unfortunate. I feel regret and I want to say sorry to the people of the state for what has been happening till today, since last May 3,” Chief Minister N. Biren Singh told reporters in the state's Imphal city, saying that he “would like to apologize.”

“But now, after seeing the last 3-4 months' progress towards peace, I hope that with the New Year 2025, the normalcy and peace will be restored in the state,” he said.

“I want to appeal to all the communities of the state that whatever happened, has happened. We now have to forgive and forget past mistakes… to start a new life.”

Manipur has been seeing violence after ethnic fighting broke out in Manipur in May 2023, which resulted in the killing of over 250 people and affected thousands of others.

Fighting has taken place between members of the majority Meitei and the Kuki tribal communities in the state.

Meitei are mostly Hindu and dominant in the state's population, while Kukis are mostly Christians, and among the most socio-economically disadvantaged groups in India.

The Indian opposition had demanded the removal of incumbent Manipur state Chief Minister Biren Singh over the situation. The Indian government, however, maintains that all steps are being taken to ensure peace in the troubled state.