According to a recent report by International Christian Concern, northeastern India’s Manipur state has experienced a troubling surge in ethnoreligious violence after a period of relative calm.
The state saw widespread unrest in 2023, leading to hundreds of deaths, the destruction of over 300 churches, and the displacement of at least 60,000 predominantly Christian residents. The violence primarily pitted the Kuki minority, who are mainly Christians, against the Meitei, a Hindu-majority ethnic group concentrated in the valley regions.
The recent wave of violence was triggered by the murder of a young Kuki woman, escalating tensions between the two communities. Reports indicated that during the violence, Meitei attackers targeted not only the ethnic minorities but also their places of worship, with numerous churches being destroyed.
In the most recent outbreak of violence, more than a dozen people were killed, and six churches were reportedly set on fire, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
The Manipur government on Sunday extended the suspension of mobile internet for two days in nine districts of the state till December 3.
An order issued by the Home Department said the suspension was extended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Jiribam.
“The state government, after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its correlation with the general operation of internet services, has decided to continue suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services, including VSATs and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Jiribam of Manipur till 5.15 pm of December 3, in public interest,” the order said.
The root cause of the conflict stems from a recommendation by the Manipur High Court to grant Scheduled Tribe benefits to the Meitei people, a move contested by the minority groups who traditionally held these privileges. This move has reignited historical grievances and further polarized the communities along ethnic and religious lines.
India’s religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians, continue to face persecution, with the legal system often failing to protect them from attacks by Hindu radicals. The 2024 U.S. Department of State report on India noted a concerning trend of violence and intimidation targeted at religious minority communities across the country.
The situation in Manipur serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address the underlying issues fueling the violence, including religious tensions. While religious differences are not the sole cause of the conflict, they remain a central issue that must be tackled to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
As the international community closely monitors the situation in Manipur, efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation among the warring factions become imperative for paving the way towards a sustainable and harmonious coexistence in the region.
India’s Christian community, which faces discrimination and persecution from both government authorities and Hindu nationalist groups, has been particularly vulnerable to attacks in recent years. The Modi government’s policies have been criticized for their impact on religious freedom and minority rights.
To address the root causes of the violence in Manipur, it is essential to prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and justice. A long-term solution must address the underlying issues of land rights, resource allocation, and religious tensions. International pressure and monitoring can also play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and preventing further violence.