In Manipur, the search for peace

Chief minister Biren Singh's apology offers an opening for dialogue, ending the ethnic conflict

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Manipur chief minister (CM) N Biren Singh's public apology over the violence that has ravaged his state for 19 months and killed at least 260 people may have come late in the day, but it is nevertheless a potentially pivotal moment. For the first time since ethnic strife erupted in the state in May 2023, Singh has abandoned his muscular stance and rhetoric that appeared slanted against the tribal communities and made a move towards a genuine expression of regret. "I want to say sorry for what happened in the state. Many people lost their loved ones and many had to leave their homes. I regret and want to apologise," Singh said, adding that he hoped normalcy would be restored in the coming year. "Whatever happened has happened... I want to appeal to all commun