Violence in Manipur

In the last few days, horrific killings have occurred in Manipur, an Indian state torn by violence over the past three years. Yet, at the St Francis de Sales parish in Kangpokpi, Catholics from the two different ethnic groups continue to celebrate the Eucharist together.

Thousands of people took to the streets to demand the postponement of the 2027 census until the National Register of Citizens is updated. For the majority Meitei, this is a tool against illegal immigration from Myanmar, while for the Kuki-Zo minority, it risks becoming a means of political and social exclusion. The ethnic conflict that broke out in 2023 remains unresolved, exacerbated by competition for land and cross-border routes.

On 13 May, two Salesian priests, Fr Albert Panmei Aching and Fr Peter Poji Küvisie, were abducted and later released after 24 hours in captivity. The provincial expressed his relief and thanked all those who helped secure the release of his confreres.

The place of worship, dedicated to St Joseph, is located in the village of Munpi, a remote area in the Singngat region. A Catholic couple from Goa made a significant contribution to its construction. The inauguration was presided over by the Archbishop Emeritus of Imphal. For the prelate, the church ‘will contribute to their healing, their relief and their sense of stability’.

The incident took place in the Churachandpur district. The attack occurred just over 24 hours after the Prime Minister's visit to the area, which has been the scene of sectarian violence. The target was the home of Khenthang Calvin, a member of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), which signed a ceasefire agreement with Delhi. A second attack (unsuccessful) targeted the residence of Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC).

Amidst heavy security measures, the prime minister began his visit to the state torn for the past two years by communal violence between ethnic Kuki-Zo and Meitei. In a speech, he highlighted local progress and development initiatives. India’s opposition party slams Modi for waiting so long before coming.

Robert Naorem presented his collection, which uses the local tradition of hand-weaving to promote indigenous embroidery. He also offered a message of peace for the Indian state shaken by violence between Meitei and Kukis in the past two years. He calls for an end to clashes, and for everyone to get involved in development.

In the eastern Indian state shaken by violence that has claimed more than 250 lives in less than two years, Biren Singh has resigned to avoid a no-confidence motion. In recent days, the Supreme Court had asked for verification of the authenticity of an audio in which he is heard ‘claiming’ to have instigated the clashes between Meitei and Kuki. The association of tribal groups: ‘Delayed gesture, we will continue to demand a separate administration’.

After six bodies were found over the weekend, protesters stormed the homes of local BJP lawmakers. The Union government is sending thousands of special forces, while the Union Home Affairs minister tries to resolve the situation peacefully. For the archbishop emeritus of Imphal, the government is “only watching".

The wound in the northeastern Indian state is still open. Some houses were set on fire last night. The mainly Christian Kuki community reports continued incursions by Meitei extremists. Fears are growing that hitherto neutral ethnic Nagas might be caught up in the violence. Talks proposed by the Union Home Affairs Ministry have gone nowhere.

At least two people have died and 10 wounded in the latest incident. Conflict between ethnic Kuki and Meitei broke out over a year ago and is still without a solution. After weeks of mounting tensions, experts warn that the presence of fighters from neighbouring Myanmar risks further complicating the situation.

On Feast of the Assumption, a group of Catholics who fled more than a year ago from the ethnic violence that devastated India's northeastern state had the joy of being able to return to celebrate the Eucharist in the new settlement where the Archdiocese of Imphal is building homes for those who have lost everything. Fr. Aimeng's testimony, “A spiritual balm among so much suffering.”