Christians persecuted

India’s military has restored order in the wake of clashes that left more than 50 people dead, deeply scaring the local population. “What began as an inter-ethnic clash hastily developed an inter-religious dimension in the polarized atmosphere that the majoritarian Hindutva regime at the national level has created. Several Kuki churches were destroyed or damaged,” said the archbishop emeritus of Guwahati speaking to AsiaNews. In border states, “Confidence-building measures should be adopted. No community must be made to feel hoodwinked or bypassed.”

Mussarat Bibi, 46, a school employee, was accused of intentionally burning pages of the Qurʾān, despite being illiterate. A Muslim gardener was also accused in connection with the case. Last week, a Muslim religious leader was lynched by a mob. For human rights activists, all these cases show how the law is being abused.

Majority Meitei want Scheduled Tribe status fearing immigration from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Protests by hill tribes opposed to the demand has resulted in serious violence and, according to unconfirmed reports, casualties. The state government imposed a curfew and shut down the internet. Mostly Christian tribal communities fear losing their land, the bishop of Miao told AsiaNews.

Catholic priest expresses gratitude to Muslim community for conducting “an in-depth investigation” before condemning the Christian woman. He hopes that “a culture of peace and religious harmony” will always prevail. The accused in the case after was charged under the black law over a legal dispute.