The Congress party’s attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensified on Tuesday, following Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s apology over the ongoing ethnic violence that has plagued the state since May 2023. Singh had expressed regret and sorrow for the pain and suffering caused by the conflict, which has left more than 250 dead and thousands displaced.

Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, and Rajya Sabha MP, took to social media to question why Prime Minister Modi had not visited Manipur despite his extensive travel across India and abroad. “Why can’t the Prime Minister go to Manipur and say the same thing there?” Ramesh wrote on X, referring to Singh’s apology. “He has deliberately avoided visiting the state since May 4, 2023, even though he flies around the country and the world. The people of Manipur simply cannot understand this neglect,” he added.

In his statement earlier in the day, CM Singh apologized to the people of Manipur, acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by the violence. “Many people have lost their loved ones, and many have been forced to leave their homes. I deeply regret what has happened, and I offer my sincere apologies. I hope that after seeing the relative peace in the last three to four months, we can look forward to the restoration of normalcy in the state in 2025,” Singh said.

Singh also made a heartfelt appeal to all communities in the state, urging them to forgive past grievances and work toward a peaceful and prosperous future. “We must forget the past and start afresh. We need to live together peacefully,” he said, calling for reconciliation.

The violence, primarily between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups in the surrounding hills, has resulted in over 250 deaths and widespread displacement. According to the latest Ministry of Home Affairs report, Manipur accounted for approximately 77% of the total violence in Northeast India in 2023.

Despite the relative reduction in violence in recent months, with fewer reported firing incidents, the state remains on edge as efforts toward peace and normalcy continue. Singh expressed hope that 2025 would bring an end to the turmoil and a new chapter for Manipur.