Violence in Manipur

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.

The 11-year-old was in Italy for five days to mark World Environment Day. She asked the pontiff to help stop clashes between Meitei and tribal groups in the north-eastern state. The girl wants to build a school that will provide free education to children, victims of the violence, from both sides, that will be “a symbol of peace in the whole world”.

Catholic prelates appeal to the State’s various communities after a month-long violence pitting Meitei against tribal groups. They note that “concessions can be made in view of the common good” while “Both communities concerned know their destinies are intertwined.” Meanwhile, more attacks are reported against Kuki villages; in one, scores of houses and the church were set on fire. Weapons are rumoured to have been taken from armouries.

The only Catholic family in an Orissa village, they were forced to flee during the 2008 persecution, losing everything. Now the little girl from that time has made her first religious profession, and the Hindus who had participated in the violence also took part in the Christians' celebration. A ray of light amid gathering darkness for Christians in the state of Manipur.

A dispute over space in an Imphal market reignited tensions between Meitei and Kuki, which left many dead and caused devastation in the local Christian community earlier this month. In the meantime, in New Delhi, India’s Supreme Court requested a report from the state government about the situation. The country’s highest court also slammed the ruling by the Manipur High Court to allow the majority group to demand disadvantaged group status, which sparked disputes over land.

The archdiocese has appealed for relief for more than 45,000 refugees, victims of clashes between ethnic Meitei and Kiku. A tense calm imposed by the army reigns in the state’s 16 districts. Meanwhile, the death toll has reached 60. Some 40 churches have been affected, including Catholic facilities in eight locations. The attacks appear to have been planned. The Church is trying to lead the way towards reconciliation.

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.”

India's bronze medallist in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics calls on the Indian government to solve the situation. For the past two days, violence has pitted majority Hindu Meitei against Christian Kuki tribal groups. Some 13 deaths have been reported so far, with some 9,000 displaced, but the number could be higher. Mobile Internet services have been suspended.

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.