'Forgive and forget mistake': Manipur CM N Biren Singh apologises for ethnic clashes

"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. Many people lost their loved ones. Many people left their homes. I feel regret. I apologise. But now, I hope after seeing the last three to four months progress towards the peace, I believe by 2025, the normalcy will be restored in the state," the Chief Minister said.

"I want to appeal to all the communities in the state, whatever happened has happened. You have to forgive and forget the past mistakes and we have to start a new life (towards) a peaceful and prosperous Manipur," he said.

He hoped that all 35 tribes in Manipur would live together in harmony in Manipur.

The violence in Manipur left around 180 dead since May last year when violence erupted over the Meities community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status while the tribal Kukis opposed it.

The Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur's population and live mostly in Imphal Valley.

The tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent of the population and reside mainly in the hills.