Apology not enough

MANIPUR Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s apology for the ethnic violence that has ravaged the state since May 2023 is too little, too late. Over 250 lives have been lost, thousands displaced and women brutalised in unimaginable ways. Singh’s acknowledgment of the tragedy cannot erase his culpability; his inaction and partisanship make him a war criminal. Under Singh’s watch, Manipur spiralled into chaos, with armed militias terrorising communities. His failure to control the militias, prevent the widespread use of looted weapons and ensure the safety of all communities makes his apology appear more like a strategic ploy than a sincere effort to heal a fractured society. Women have been weaponised in this conflict. The horrifying sexual violence against Kuki-Zomi women, such as the ordeal of Reina Haokip, highlights the war waged on women’s bodies. The victims carry psychological scars that no apology can heal.

The statistics he presented — declining incidents of firing and arrests made — are cold comfort to those who have lost loved ones or seen their homes burned. The wounds inflicted by drone bombings, mob attacks and communal targeting cannot be erased by words alone. The displacement of over 50,000 people is a testament to the state’s inability to provide security and dignity to its citizens.

Allegations of bias against the Kuki-Zo community have further eroded any trust in his leadership. His apology is a transparent attempt to deflect blame rather than take responsibility. Singh’s tenure has been marked by complicity and incompetence, rendering him incapable of fostering peace or reconciliation. Calls for his resignation are justified; accountability is non-negotiable. Manipur needs a leadership overhaul and a political solution grounded in justice, equality and genuine dialogue. Singh must face the consequences of his failures.