NEW DELHI - Chief Minister of India's Manipur N. Biren Singh Tuesday apologized to the people of the northeastern state for the deadly ethnic violence that has been occurring since May 2023, and appealed to all sections to "forgive and forget" the past.

"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 apologize. 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," Singh said during a press briefing.

"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.

ALSO READ: Indian govt directs security forces to restore order in Manipur amid violence

He said all 35 tribes in Manipur should live together in harmony.

Manipur has been on edge since May 3 last year when large-scale violence broke out in the state during a tribal protest over the inclusion of the non-tribal Meitei community for a scheduled tribe status -- designated for disadvantaged socio-economic groups which gives them reservations in education and government jobs.

The ethnic clashes between the majority Meitei group and the tribal Kuki minority have displaced over 60,000.

More than 5,000 weapons were also taken away from various police stations and other places in the state following violence.

READ MORE: 6 killed in fresh violence in India's Manipur

From both communities, armed men calling themselves "village defense volunteers" often attack each other and government forces.

The state has been witnessing gunfights and killings between these rival armed groups.

Efforts by the federal government to restore peace in the state have not yielded the desired results.

Last month, India's federal government imposed the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act in new areas of Manipur and rushed over 10,000 additional paramilitary troopers to the trouble-torn state to contain the situation.