WEDNESDAY 01 JANUARY 2025 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 | LC KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR MANY EVOLUTIONS FOR CENTENARIAN ‘CITIZEN OF THE WORLD’ ‘WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT ANTI-CONSTITUTIONAL THINKING OF BJP-RSS’ P9 P5 SENSEX 78,139.01q109.12 WISHES ITS READERS A HAPPY NEW YEAR NIFTY 23,644.80q0.100 Min. 62% STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE IMPHAL, 31 DECEMBER Min: 14.3˚C SUN SETS 17:03 hrs MOON SETS 18:25 hrs M Full Moon on 14 January THUMBNAILS A view of Kolkata bidding farewell to 2024 with a fiery golden sunset over the Hooghly River. n BISWAJIT GHOSHAL Mamata pledges to serve & protect people of Bengal anipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday issued a heartfelt apology to the people of the state for the ethnic violence and unrest that erupted in May 2023 and continues to persist, leading to loss of hundreds of lives, widespread displacement, and prolonged tension. Speaking at a public event, Mr Singh called the events since May 2023 “deeply unfortunate” and expressed profound regret over the suffering endured by the people. “I feel regret, and I want to say sorry to the people of Manipur for what has been happening. Many people lost their lives and were rendered homeless. I really feel regret and apologise to all victims,” Biren Singh said. “It is very unfortunate that many people have lost their loved ones, many people had to leave their homes and villages. However, considering the positive developments during the past three-four months, I hope peace and normalcy will return to the state in the New Year 2025,” Mr Singh said. Manipur has faced one of its most challenging years in recent history, with ethnic clashes breaking out between the Meitei and Kuki communities over longstanding grievances related to land rights, Scheduled Tribe status, and governance. The violence, which began in May 2023, has left over 200 dead, thousands injured, and tens of thousands displaced. Entire villages were burned, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) were forced into relief camps, enduring severe hardship. In his appeal, the Chief Minister urged all communities to forgive and forget past grievances, emphasising unity among the state’s diverse tribal and ethnic groups. “Whatever happened, happened. Let’s forgive and forget past mistakes and start a new life filled with peace and prosperity, with Manipur living harmoniously with all its recognised 34-35 tribes,” he stated. “I appeal to all the communities to live together and to make Manipur prosperous with a united effort,” the Manipur Chief Minister said. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 31 DECEMBER On the eve of the new year, Chief Minister and Trinamul Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee pledged to serve the people of the state with utmost dedication, to protect them, and to uphold the ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Miss Banerjee uploaded her new year message on social media, which read: "As we bid farewell to 2024, my heart swells with gratitude for the unflinching support of our Ma, Mati, Manush, the very cornerstone of our strength. It is your trust and faith that fuels our resolve to stand tall against the forces of oppression and exploitation. This year has been one of trials and “ From the hurdles we faced together to the milestones we achieved, it is your love and solidarity that stood out. With folded hands, I thank the people of Bengal for making this year unforgettable. MAMATA BANERJEE triumphs. From the hurdles we faced together to the milestones we achieved, it is your love and solidarity that stood out. With folded hands, I thank the people of Bengal for making this year unforgettable.” “As we embark on a new year, I renew my pledge to serve you with utmost dedication, to protect you, and to uphold the ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity that define us as a people,” Miss Banerjee wrote. ‘Government extending all assistance to Indian nurse on death row in Yemen’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 31 DECEMBER The government on Tuesday confirmed that it is aware of the death sentence awarded to Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse, in Yemen and said it is extending all possible assistance in the matter. In response to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: “We are aware of the sentencing of Ms. Nimisha Priya in Yemen. We understand that the family of Ms. Priya is exploring relevant Quad now a vital force for stability in Indo-Pacific, says EAM Jaishankar STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 31 DECEMBER In a social media post on 'X' marking the 20th anniversary of the Quad partnership, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said the four-nation grouping now stands as a vital force for stability, progress and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. “Two decades ago, the idea of Quad began with a shared response to the Indian Ocean tsunami,” the External Affairs Minister noted. He also shared a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the four Quad nations (India, Australia, Japan and the United States) on the occasion of the grouping's 20th anniversary, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the region's needs together. The joint statement said that 20 years ago, in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Australia, India, Japan, and the USA came together in service to the people of the region for the first time as the grouping now known as the Quad. BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 74.36p0.37 The Manipur CM called for unity in the year 2025 RAINFALL: NIL RELATIVE HUMIDITY TEMPERATURE P12 SILVER 98,000 GOLD 78,495.00 Biren apologises for Manipur ethnic violence Generally clear. Hazy in the evening. Maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be around 25°C and 14°C respectively. Max: 25.2˚C SUN RISES 06:16 hrs MOON RISES 07:30 hrs BUMRAH NAMED CAPTAIN OF CRICKET AUSTRALIA'S TEST TEAM OF 2024 P7 ` vs $ 85.65 WEATHER Max. 74% A GIANT AMONG MEN The tsunami was one of the worst disasters in history, claiming the lives of nearly a quarter million people and displacing 1.7 million across 14 countries. “Together our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, working with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region to support millions of people affected by the catastrophe. We honour the memories of those no longer with us and recognize the survivors and the families of those who were lost.” the statement said. They said that their foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remains strong. “We continue to work side-by-side to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to disasters across the region. In 2024, our four countries collectively supported disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the Indo-Pacific, and we continue to build on those efforts to identify new ways to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and disasters,” the statement said. options. The government is extending all possible help in the matter.” The statement follows the recent approval of Ms Priya's death sentence by Yemen's President Rashad al-Alimi. Ms Priya, from Kollengode in Kerala's Palakkad district was awarded a death sentence in 2020 after being convicted of killing Talal Abdo Mahdi, her business partner, who she accused of fraud and abuse, in 2017. Ms Priya had moved to Yemen in 2008 and worked in several hospitals there before eventually deciding to open her own clinic. In 2017, a dispute arose between her and her Yemeni business partner, Mahdi, after she reportedly opposed his alleged attempts to misappropriate funds. According to her family, Ms Priya allegedly injected Mahdi with sedatives to retrieve her confiscated passport, but an overdose led to his death. She was arrested while attempting to flee the country and was convicted of murder in 2018. In 2020, a trial court in Sanaa sentenced her to death. ‘We are determined to work even harder in 2025, realise our dream of Viksit Bharat’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 31 DECEMBER Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said the Union Government was determined to work even harder in 2025 and realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat. Responding to a video post by MyGovIndia on X, Mr Modi said: “Collective efforts and transformative outcomes! 2024 has been marked by many feats, which have been wonderfully summed up in this video. We are determined to work even harder in 2025 and realise our dream of a Viksit Bharat." The video post mentioned the achievements of India in 2024 and the unforgettable moments that marked a year of progress, unity, and steps toward a Viksit Bharat. Meanwhile, in a series of posts, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) reflected on 2024's memorable moments. Prime Minister Modi’s recent international visits have significantly strengthened India’s global partnerships, enhancing strategic and economic cooperation and cultural ties across continents, the PMO said in a post on X. India’s active role in various global summits in 2024 highlights its commitment to promoting international cooperation and a sustainable, equitable world.