Escalating violence in Manipur

Violence is rising in Manipur, even in areas which previously hadn’t seen conflict. Please pray for all caught up in the violence.

More than a year after ethnoreligious violence broke out in Manipur, India, violence is again escalating in the region. The district of Jiribam, once a symbol of fragile peace amidst Manipur’s ongoing conflict, has been rocked by attacks.

Despite an agreement made in June 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities to avoid further violence, the past few weeks have seen intensifying attacks by militants from both sides. These perpetrators are now using advanced ammunition such as drones and rockets to strike various targets. Those still living in the region are increasingly fearful.

“The people of Manipur had been anticipating that the situation would get better gradually,” says Neeraj Kumar*, a local Open Doors partner. “But their hope and anticipation did not come true; rather, a repetition of attacks from both sides is taking place. So far, about 11 people have lost their lives – five Meiteis and six Kukis.” 

Warning of widespread violence

In the early hours of 7 September, suspected Kuki militants attacked Nungchappi village in Jiribam, killing a 63-year-old Meitei Hindu. The violence surged to neighbouring villages, leading to the death of another Meitei Hindu in a fierce exchange. This attack came just a day after rockets were fired at two locations, including the home of the state’s first chief minister in Bishnupur district. Previously, around 70 homes and police outposts were set on fire by suspected militants in Jiribam.

The resurgence of violence in Jiribam underscores the growing tensions across Manipur. As both the Meitei and Kuki communities continue to suffer losses, the situation in Manipur remains on a dangerous precipice, with once-peaceful areas now engulfed in conflict. Christians were disproportionately targeted on both sides, during the initial violence, though recent casualties have not been identified as Christian.

“The victims of violence are finding ways and means to restore and return to the state, but the constant attacks and killings have shrunk all hopes and opportunities,” says Anjali Lhing*. “Houses are burned down, innocent lives are lost, and families continue to be displaced. If the situation continues to remain the same, widespread violence is anticipated.”

Intensifying unrest

In response to the recent, escalating violence, Meitei women in Imphal organised a large protest rally on 8 September, demanding immediate action from the Central Government to address the crisis that has persisted for so long. The protesters expressed their frustration and desperation, calling for peace and justice while highlighting the government’s failure to curb the violence that has plagued their lives. The rally took place amid reports of ongoing insurgent activities and bombings in border areas like Kakching, Jiribam and Bishnupur, where tensions remain high.

The next day, students in Manipur took to the streets to protest against the government. Protests turned violent, and the authorities fired tear gas. In response, schools across the state closed on 9 and 10 September and the Manipur state government has imposed a curfew and an internet ban. 

How are Manipur’s Christians doing?

While Manipur’s Christians have not been specifically targeted in recent attacks in Jiribam, they are still suffering the impact of violence last year. Huge numbers remain displaced, with their homes destroyed or the communities too unsafe to return to.

“Christians from the Meitei community are still unable to gather freely for prayer,” says Neeraj Kumar. “They are under relentless threats from extremist groups and are closely monitored for Christian activities. Meanwhile, most of the Kuki Christians are still displaced and unable to return to their own land given the erratic situation. Even if Christians gather, there is always a cloud of fear looming over them of unpredictable attacks and firings.” 

He recalls that, during the violence, the victims ran out of their houses and villages for safety with nothing except clothes on their bodies. “We could reach the displaced victims in the refugee camps with groceries, essential kits and blankets. We identified the victims who moved out of Manipur and sought shelter in different states, and gave them immediate help like safe housing and food.”

Anjali adds, “We have been able to reach more than ten thousand victims with immediate support like groceries, utensils, clothes, blankets and other essentials. After the violence, along with presence ministry, victims are being helped with long-term support through trauma counselling, income-generation projects and persecution survival training.”

Please keep praying

Given the continuing attacks, loss of lives, destruction of properties, uncertain future and unrest in the state, Open Doors partner Priya Sharma* appeals to the government and human rights organisations to intervene and take steps to end the violence and have peace talks.

“There seems to be no end to the violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities,” she says. “Each month, attacks and killings are witnessed between the communities. Standing in solidarity would not suffice. The government is working to maintain order and law, but they must take swift action and expedite their strategies to resolve the differences and work amicably among both communities to establish peace and harmony. The people of Manipur need our constant prayers and protection from God.”

*Names changed for security reasons