![Ajay Kumar Bhalla Sworn in as 19th Governor of Manipur N Biren Singh](https://i0.wp.com/ukhrultimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ajay-Kumar-Bhalla-Sworn-in-as-19th-Governor-of-Manipur-N-Biren-Singh.jpeg?resize=696%2C450&ssl=1)
Ukhrul: Addressing media queries at the swearing in ceremony of Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday clarified recent controversies regarding his apology related to the ongoing Manipur crisis.
N. Biren Singh refuted claims about his apology, saying that he had been misunderstood. He stressed that his remarks were directed at displaced and affected citizens, emphasizing empathy and solidarity with their plight.
Also read | CPI Rejects Manipur CM N. Biren Singh’s Apology, Demands Resignation
The Chief Minister sharply criticized opposition parties, accusing them of deliberately distorting his words to politicize the issue. He asserted that his apology was not directed at “terrorists” but at the innocent civilians bearing the brunt of the crisis.
It is worth noting that the Communist Party of India (CPI) had reacted strongly to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s apology over the crisis in Manipur. The CPI had asserted that “The people of Manipur deserve accountable and empathetic governance, which Chief Minister Biren Singh and his government have utterly failed to provide. His resignation is imperative to restore confidence in the administration and pave the way for a fresh, people-centric approach to resolving the crisis.”
Related | Ajay Kumar Bhalla Sworn in as 19th Governor of Manipur
Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in as the 17th Governor of Manipur on Friday morning in a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan’s Darbar Hall in Imphal. Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, Justice D. Krishnakumar, administered the oath of office.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a retired IAS officer and former Union Home Secretary, takes office at a crucial time as Manipur continues to face ethnic unrest. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed confidence in Bhalla’s experience and understanding of the state’s issues, emphasizing his tenure as Union Home Secretary.
N. Biren Singh stated that Bhalla’s leadership would help restore peace and normalcy.
Must read | Tributes Pour In for Trailblazer Dr. Gina Shangkham