“THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!”
Relief distribution by our Country Team in Manipur.
A report from our Country Team Leader in NE India:
“Christian persecution in India, notably in Manipur, Northeast India, reflects an alarm-ing trend of religious intolerance against minority communities. In May 2023, ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, resulting in significant casualties, displacements, and an urgent need for intervention. The conflict's roots lie in ethnic tensions and anti-Christian sentiments, marked by acts of arson, van-dalism, rioting and looting. The initial spark was the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status, rapidly leading to violence, while land-rights disputes and an influx of refugees from Myanmar added to the complexity. (Note: Tensions boiled be-cause the Kukis argued that the Meitei’s demand would strengthen their already strong influence on government and society, allowing them to buy land or settle in pre-dominantly Kuki areas.)
Several incidents underscore the pressing need for intervention in Manipur. These include the destruction of St. Paul's Parish Church, Pastoral Training Centre and Holy Redeemer Parish, among others. These events have had a severe impact, with eth-nic conflict and religious tensions culminat-ing in targeted attacks on religious institu-tions.
In Manipur, religious attacks have continued, further intensifying the crisis, with numerous village churches of Christian Kuki villages being set ablaze. The government's inaction, despite over a month of violence, raises
questions about the constitutional machinery's effectiveness. The role of the security forces in preventing widespread destruction and protect-ing vulnerable areas is also being questioned. A public apology was demanded from the well-known Evangelist, Rev. Ramananda Meite, for speaking against their Meitei faith. His life is in danger, so he is now taking shelter in our area. Many of the Meitei Christian workers are under threat from their community.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the families of Ethnos Asia Ministries for their prayers and generous financial support. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide emergency relief to 1,000 families in nine affected camps, supplying them with essential items such as rice, food grains, kitchen supplies and basic personal necessities. In addition, we delivered books, pens and pencils to seven of the camps and organized tutoring to help hun-dreds of children as part of our rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, we equipped the women in one of the camps with wool, knitting needles and a knitting machine. Your contributions have made a significant and positive impact on the lives of those in need.
The religious assaults in Manipur have far-reaching consequences, impacting lives, homes and places of worship, emphasizing the necessi-ty of addressing this crisis. Amid these tumultu-ous situations, we express our deep gratitude for your prayers and financial support during times of crisis. Thank you and may God bless you.”
This year’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is on 5th November. Let us remember our persecuted brethren, not only in India but throughout the Access Restricted Na-tions in Asia (ARNA). They have been faithfully laboring and holding on to their Christian faith, for the advancement of the Kingdom, no matter what the cost.
“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they per-secuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.”
