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Journalism of Courage
Christian organisations across the country Friday appealed for calm amid the violence unfolding in Manipur between the Kuki-Zomi and Meitei communities.
The United Christian Forum of North East India said a power struggle among different groups has led to “conflicts, violence, arson and loss of life” and invited all churches to join “a collective effort to pray for peace” on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Reverend Dr Peter Machado, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bengaluru, and a leading figure in India’s Catholic community, said Christians were being targeted in the state.
“It is with deep concern that we note the resurgence of the targeting and persecution of Christians in the peaceful state of Manipur in the North East, where the Christian population comprises 41%. We have received reports that three churches built in 1974 and some houses have been set on fire, and the people have been forced to flee to safer places,” the Archbishop said.
Expressing concern about Manipur’s “sizeable Christian population being made to feel insecure’’, the Archbishop said: “While the BJP government in power has issued helpline instructions, it demonstrates the gravity of the danger faced by people who are being targeted for their religious beliefs and practices. It is reported that around seventeen churches are either vandalised, desecrated, or defiled. Many are still burning. We hope and pray that the situation will be brought under control, and peace and confidence will be restored to the people of Manipur. It is the responsibility of the government in power to ensure the freedom of religion, especially as the people have entrusted the party with power, believing in its capacity for good governance.”
Reverend Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India, said he was in touch with people in Churachandpur district. “I spoke to some people even tonight and the situation in the district is dire. Churches have been burnt even today, despite the presence of the Army. Things have slowed down, but they have not stopped entirely. We are very concerned for the people of Manipur, irrespective of which tribe or community they belong to. The ordinary people there are suffering. There is no food, water or basic amenities. People have fled their homes. As important as it is for the authorities to restore law and order, it is equally important for them to provide relief,” he said.
“We call upon all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution of the issues. We urge the people of Manipur to avoid forces that instigate division and cause polarisation. We also appeal to the state and the union government to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders to address the underlying causes of the conflict,” read a statement by the Evangelical Fellowship of India .
