India (MNN) — We’re nearing the one-year anniversary since violence broke out in Manipur, India.
It began as ethnic clashes over economic benefits between the Meitei and minority Kuki people. But soon, the clashes spiraled into violent attacks targeting tribal Kukis — most of whom are Christian.
In early May 2023, Meitei extremists in Manipur burned 250 churches, and over 160 people died in the conflict.
Today, Manipur still looks like a guerrilla war zone.
Regan Miller with Mission India shares, “We actually had a ministry partner go to Manipur recently to get an update, and he shared with us his quote:
‘My heart is heavy as I heard some stories directly from the victims. Even now, many are on the road with illegal weapons. I saw them walking around. I was asked not to go into some villages, as many bullet sounds were heard. One person said in his village every night there are sounds of bomb blasts.’
(Photo courtesy of Mission India)
“It’s just crazy to think that this was front of mind for a lot of us that were supporting India a year ago. Now, there’s so many other things taking place that it can be easy to forget, and in actuality, our prayers are still needed so much.”
More than 60,000 tribal Christians are displaced and can’t return to their villages for fear of attack.
Even though schools in Manipur eventually re-opened, many parents still won’t send their children back to school.
“There are Christian families that are hesitant to send their kids to school because they don’t know if it’s safe,” says Miller. “So that can really disrupt everyday life and affects kids’ education. It just means there’s a ripple effect over a long period of time.”
As we approach the one-year anniversary, pray for an end to the violence in Manipur and for persecuted Christians to represent Jesus.
Header photo courtesy of Mission India.
