Manipur CM Biren Singh: My apology only towards victims of conflict, not terrorists

Manipur CM N Biren Singh strongly reacted to Congress's statement with respect to his recent apologies for the Manipur crisis, he said that his sorry was to victims of conflict but not to terrorists. 

Responding to a media query asked at the sidelines of the oath-taking ceremony of the newly appointed governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, he alleged that the Congress party is the creator of ongoing crisis. As such they wouldn’t want to bring peace and normalcy in the state. 

“Congress party can say anything. They can even say that the sun is the moon. My recent apology for the Manipur crisis was to victims of the unfortunate incident who have lost their loved ones and displaced persons. Why should I apologise to terrorists,” he responded about Congress's claim made after his apologies for Manipur unrest. 

Biren highly appreciated the full-fledged governor of Manipur by the central government and stated that sending an intelligent and competent person as governor of Manipur during this trying time to Manipur shows the serious concern of the central government in solving the problem of Manipur.

Also Read: 'Biren Singh has admitted to failure of double-engine government': Manipur Congress chief on CM's apology

“I Know Bhalla ji very well. He is well experienced and held many important posts in the administration of the government of India. Appointing such a well-experienced person as governor of Manipur is highly appreciated from the government side and people of Manipur,” he hailed and expressed his hope and expectation that the new governor will do something to bring peace in Manipur which is the top priority of the state.

He also said that present conflict is complex. It will take time to resolve it. However central government is doing what the people of Manipur asked to do.60 to 70 per cent of the demand is implemented. People should have trust in the central government. Only then can Manipur be saved and protect the people of the state.

Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra criticised Chief Minister N Biren Singh's apology for the ethnic conflict in the state, calling it an acknowledgement of the government's failure.

Speaking at a programme on Wednesday, Keisham stated, "By apologising to the people in a press conference, Singh has admitted to the failure of the double-engine government in the state."

Keisham further questioned Singh's response to the ongoing violence, asking, "What will be the future course of action? I want to ask him what he is going to do. The violence and firing continue even today. Singh has said he is sorry and apologised to the people. The people of Manipur should think about the responsibility and accountability of his statement."