Violence in Manipur

According to the UN, India is the fourth-largest supplier of weapons to Myanmar’s military junta, but in the north-eastern state of Manipur, it wants to add a fence on the border to prevent the influx of people from its neighbour, which according to the local government is fuelling weapons and drugs smuggling. In fact, the issue has more to do with inter-ethnic tensions in the state. Meanwhile, more airstrikes are reported in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, forcing thousands to flee.

Fr. Anil Francis, 40, was found hanged from a tree. In a note, the diocese of Sagar - while not speculating on the motive and offering full cooperation in the investigation - said that he had been denounced for a post on social networks against violence in Manipur. He was the director of a Catholic school in an Indian state at the centre of intimidation against Christians by Hindu fundamentalists for months.

A reflection by the auxiliary bishop of Mumbai on the day the country celebrates 76 years of new-found freedom after colonial rule. An anniversary heavily marked this year by the echo of the violence in Manipur. "Under the pretext of defending national interests, ancient long-buried conflicts are being resurrected. May God dwell again in our land so that there may be love and peace again."

The violence in the northeastern state of India is rooted in intertwined factors: ethnicity, access to weapons, refugees from Myanmar, the drug trade, the role of women. Journalist Samrat Choudhury, author of a recent book on Northeast India, spoke to AsiaNews about it, noting that contrary to what was said initially, this is not a religious conflict, and that it is hard to see a peaceful resolution in the future.

The main opposition bloc wants the prime minister to report on the violence tearing apart the north-eastern state. Following a fact-finding visit, opposition MPs found the “complete breakdown of law and order". In a statement, Card Oswald Gracias describes the conflict as tribal, not religious, urging the local Church to work for harmony.

Archbishop Andrews Thazhath visited the areas that have been the scene of sectarian clashes since the beginning of May. Caritas has pledged to donate aid for the reconstruction of churches and schools (razed to the ground by the violence) and for the displaced, around 60,000. According to commentators, the situation was favored by state policies against minorities. Seven men have been arrested so far for the rapes and harassment of women shown in a video circulated in recent days.

A video from early May went viral today showing the brutality of clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities. A complaint was filed with police for kidnapping, gang rape and murder after relatives of one of the two women in the video were reportedly killed. Indian Prime Minister Modi broke his silence on the atrocities. For the Archbishop of Imphal, this is “a complete collapse of humanity.” For those affected, “we have requested the Armed Forces to airdrop relief material.”

The Bishops' Conference called on Catholics to hold a day of prayer and solidarity for the victims of the violence that has torn the north-eastern state for two months. To this end, eucharistic adorations, human chains and torchlight processions were held to spur the Indian government to act.

Day of Paryer called by Bishops' Conference president Msgr. Thazhath to invoke from God the gift of peace and raise awareness of the violence between Meitei and Kuki in the northeastern state. Imphal Archbishop Msgr. Lumon: "We are working to reopen dialogue between the two communities, but the situation remains stuck. Only prayer can help us." Already today in Mumbai an initiative by Card. Gracias.

In a video message, the former Congress leader speaks of an 'unprecedented' event that 'devastated' people's lives and caused a 'deep wound' in the nation's conscience. People forced to flee their homes, long-time brothers and sisters and now driven to 'turn against each other'. The responsibilities of the central and state governments that 'must' maintain law and order.

A report issued six weeks into violent clashes between Meitei and Kuki , Msgr. Lumon's harsh denunciation "Worrying silence from Prime Minister Modi. In Imphal fear, uncertainty and a general sense of hopelessness." The conflict itself is not religious, but outside forces are working to make it so: "All the churches in the Christian Metei have also been affected." Caution not to further exacerbate tempers and thanks to other dioceses for solidarity.

Violence between ethnic Meitei and Kuki continues in the northeastern state. Nine people die in Aigejang, a village in a "mixed" area not far from the state capital Imphal. More than 100 people have been killed so far since clashes broke out in early May. Young refugees brought to Karnataka will be able to continue their studies and seek work. For Archbishop Machado, hospitality is the way of showing solidarity with those who suffer.