Guwahati: In the wake of large-scale violence and unrest in Manipur, is a state in northeast India, the Catholic Bishops of North East India appealed for restraint and peace in the state on 4 May 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC), Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati said the images and videos from Imphal, the capital town, and across the state, being shared on different social media platforms were sad and disturbing.
“Violence is never the answer for any lasting solution. Violence begets violence, leaving an indelible scar in the mind of the people. The North East Region is unique, and the rest of the country looks up to us for our gentleness, warmth, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage. What has been happening in Manipur since Wednesday is sad and frightening, and it does not represent who we are,” read the note from the President of NEIRBC.
The appeal comes a day after worrying reports of large-scale arson, vandalism, clashes, and unrest emerged from Imphal, Bishnupur, and Morey areas of Manipur due to misunderstandings between two sections the people over Scheduled Tribe status.
“Manipur is a beautiful state where different communities have peacefully co-existed for centuries. We should not allow this harmonious coexistence to be disturbed due to misunderstanding fanned by rumors”, the note read.
Since last night, the state government has issued curfew and internet lockdown orders to contain the violence. The district magistrates are asked to issue a shoot-at-sight order in extreme cases.
Appealing for an amicable solution to the issue through dialogue, the note implored the people of Manipur to stop all the violence and vandalism and work towards restoring normalcy.
“It is sad and unfortunate that the burning of many churches is giving a problem over an ST status a religious color. Loss of lives and huge damage to residents’ property have brought lives to an uncertain and painful halt. We appeal to every person in Manipur to work for calm and restore normal life”, the note read.
As per the latest report, the situation seems to have been controlled after a vast deployment of Army and paramilitary forces across the state.
Expressing solidarity with all those affected by this unrest, the Bishops of North East India have requested everyone to pray for peace and normalcy in Manipur and across the region.
Meanwhile in Bengaluru, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, expressed concern over the targeting and persecution of Christians in Manipur: “It is with deep concern that we note the resurgence of the targeting and persecution of Christians in the peaceful state of Manipur in the North East, where the Christian population comprises 41%. We have received reports that three churches were built in 1974, some houses were set on fire, and the people were forced to flee to safer places. Furthermore, there have been disturbing reports in the news and on social media that the Jesuit Fathers serving in these areas have been threatened and made to feel insecure.”
Dr. Machado, who is also the President of the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council & All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, said, “It is distressing to hear that despite having a sizable Christian population in Manipur, the community is being made to feel insecure. We are reminded that even the world-famous female boxer Mary Kom hails from this state. While the BJP Government in power has issued helpline instructions, it demonstrates the gravity of the danger faced by people targeted for their religious beliefs and practices. It is reported that around seventeen churches are either vandalized, desecrated, or defiled. Many are still burning.”
“We hope and pray that the situation will be controlled, and peace and confidence will be restored to the people of Manipur. It is the responsibility of the government in power to ensure the freedom of religion, especially as the people have entrusted the party with power, believing in its capacity for good governance. We offer our solidarity and prayers for the welfare of the Christians in Manipur who are distressed and displaced by these unfortunate events,” the prelate added.
The violence in Manipur broke out during a protest on Wednesday as tensions heightened between the ethnic community of Meitei, composed mostly of Hindus and Muslims, and the Christian Naga tribal group.
In the midst of the riots, around 9,000 people have been evacuated but actual figures of lives lost and damaged property are yet to be specified.
The dispute was sparked by the objection of non-Meitei groups to the Meitei’s request to be recognized as a “Scheduled Tribe”, which would guarantee them certain benefits in terms of jobs and land rights.
The Meitei are reported to make up over 50% of the population in Manipur.