A report presented to the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance by journalist David Campanale highlights the “clear religious dimension” of the ongoing violence in Manipur, India. The report, circulating among UK policymakers, notes that hundreds of churches and Christian villages have been burned since the start of last month. The violence has predominantly occurred in the Imphal Valley, inhabited by Hindu Meiteis, and the Churachandpur district, home to Kuki-Zomi Christian tribes. Eyewitness testimonies from survivors describe ethnically-driven attacks on Christians, with churches and other Christian properties being vandalized, looted, and burned. The violence has resulted in the displacement of nearly 50,000 people, the destruction of hundreds of villages, and the loss of over 100 lives.
Tensions in Manipur were initially sparked by an April 2023 court order directing the state government to consider granting scheduled tribe status to the Meitei community. Tribal groups feared that this would threaten their constitutional privileges and led to protests against the demand. The violence escalated after a tribal student rally on May 3. The report notes that the Meitei community has expressed fears of their members converting to Christianity, fueling the violence. The destruction of churches and Christian properties has affected both the Meitei and Kuki communities.
David Landrum, director of advocacy at Open Doors UK & Ireland, emphasized the role of radical Hindutva extremists and called on the international community to demand accountability and justice for the attacks. The report recommends the deployment of the Indian Army to vulnerable tribal villages, the provision of relief and support to displaced individuals, and the establishment of helpline numbers and compensation mechanisms for victims. It also urges the involvement of investigative journalists, inter-religious leaders, and religious freedom specialists to gather reliable information, alleviate tensions, and assess the impact of the violence. The report highlights the importance of addressing misinformation spread through media and ensuring the preservation of religious freedom.