Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday claimed that those who are indulging in politics in his apology to the people over the 20-month-long ethnic conflict are seeking unrest in the northeastern state, and said his government's priority is to restore peace.

Claiming that "past is past", he appealed to communities to sit together and find a permanent solution to the conflict that has plagued the northeastern state since May 2023.

"Those who are indulging in politics in my statement are seeking unrest. The opposition has no ideology. What I said was an expression of sadness and grief...My apology was to those who have been suffering and have lost their loved ones. Why should I say sorry to terrorists? I am saying sorry to the innocent people and those who were displaced from their homes," Singh said.

The chief minister had on Tuesday apologised for the ethnic conflict in the state, which claimed more than 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless and appealed to all communities to forget and forgive past mistakes and start afresh.

"I convey my peace message to the community members residing in the state. Again, let us forgive and forget. Past is past. We should sit together and bring a permanent solution. Priority should be the restoration of peace," he added.

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