Biren Singh apologises to victims of violence; urges ‘forget and forgiveness’ | India News

NEW DELHI: On the eve of the new year, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh expressed regret for loss of lives and sufferings of innocents due to the violence that gripped the state since May 2023. Apologising to the “innocent victims”, he urged the people of Manipur to follow the path of “forget and forgiveness,” and said: “Let’s begin the new year on a reconciliatory note and work towards peace.” He also unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for 2025 on Tuesday, focusing on recovery and development following a tumultuous period, as he expressed optimism about the improving situation, citing a significant drop in violence and displacement statistics.
Between May-October 2023 and May-till date 2024, the state recorded a decrease in deaths (from 178 to 12) and injuries (from 1,429 to 160).Instances of arson and vandalism also declined sharply from 16,443 to 167, alongside a reduction in civil protests from 4,542 to 1,908 in the same period.
Speaking to the TOI, Singh said that now that the situation has improved, “political dialogue should start by the communities and seek a permanent solution.”
Singh said that “he regrets the incidents of violence”. “As we embark on a new year, I also would like to apologise to the innocent victims as well as those families who were displaced. Being their CM, I feel the pain of the innocent people.”
The state government detailed several initiatives aimed at sustainable development and rehabilitation. Over 2,000 displaced families have returned home, supported by Rs 32 crore in farmer compensation. Plans are underway for residential skill development programmes for 500 youths, with training and assured placements in Air India and IndiGo, and migration support centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, operational from January 2025.
“The resilience of our people and the measures taken have led to a more stable environment. The road ahead looks promising,” Singh said to the TOI.
Employment remains a priority, with chief minister’s Entrepreneurship Support Schemes (CMESS) providing collateral-free loans of up to Rs 50,000 to internally displaced persons (IDPs). Seven state-backed startups are set to employ 432 IDPs, while larger-scale skilling programmes under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) aim to train over 1,000 candidates in high-demand sectors.
Healthcare initiatives include free provision of 23 cancer drugs across district hospitals and the construction of a 60-bed mental health facility under the PM DevINE scheme. Education has also seen a boost with the establishment of 13 model residential schools and financial assistance for displaced students in private institutions.
The government is addressing infrastructure deficits with additional flights from Imphal to key destinations, electrification of 36,972 households, and improved road connectivity. Meanwhile, renewable energy projects, including rooftop solar installations and floating solar plants, underscore a commitment to sustainability.
Singh highlighted a slew of welfare measures, such as a 7% increase (32% to 39%) in dearness allowance for government employees and plans for a cashless health assurance scheme. Handloom and handicraft exports are set to expand, with support from FICCI, while agricultural initiatives like the establishment of fish hatcheries and cold storage units aim to strengthen rural livelihoods.
“Our commitment is unwavering. These measures not only aim at rehabilitation but also aspire to propel Manipur towards self-reliance and growth,” Singh said, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively for the state’s resurgence.