Democracy in Distress: Tightening Restrictions and Minority Attacks Raise Alarms in India
The latest issue of British Herald Magazine, released in July 2023, sheds light on the ongoing unrest in Manipur, a northeastern state in India. The magazine also delves into the questionable silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the pressing issues faced in the country. Moreover, the publication features extensive coverage of the recent riots against racism in France. Along with other noteworthy global affairs and trending topics. “The greatness of a nation can be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members,” famously stated Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation of India. Today, these words resonate with renewed significance as concerns continue to mount over the state of democracy in the country. The escalating attacks on minority communities and the tightening restrictions on freedom of speech. These have raised crucial questions about the fundamental principles of democratic values. The noticeable absence of response and silence from PM Modi has intensified the apprehensions surrounding the state of democracy in India. Despite being the leader of the world’s largest democracy since his election in 2014, Modi has rarely engaged with the media. Making only sporadic appearances. His recent joint press conference with President Joe Biden during his visit to the US
Majority Hindu Tribe in India’s Manipur Blockades Christian Tribes to Starve Them Out
The Times of India (TOI) reported on Monday that a blockade on food and medical supplies by the valley-dwelling Hindu majority of the Manipur province is starving the hill-dwelling Kuki Christian tribes, thousands of whom have been displaced from their homes into refugee camps. Manipur has been torn by violent ethnic conflict since May when the Meitei launched a petition to acquire the same preferences in employment and land ownership that are extended to the Kuki and other minority groups in the province. This enraged the tribal residents as the Meitei are much larger and better off than other ethnic groups, and they occupy most of the good lowlands in Manipur. Ethnic grievances erupted into violent assault and vandalism, and Manipur became a hot topic in Indian politics as opposition leaders accused the ruling BJP party of not doing enough to restore peace, perhaps because BJP has a Hindu nationalist platform and favors the Meitei villagers. The Kukis and Meiteis both created highway blockades to deprive each other of resources, a tactic that has been used in previous ethnic clashes because there are few good roads leading into the rough terrain of Manipur. Blockades during a Kuki-Meitei struggle in 2011 effectively cut the
Church seeks apology from Indian Communist leader
"Church groups in southern Indian Kerala state have sought an apology from a top Communist party leader for allegedly denigrating the life of Catholic nuns. The Pastoral Council of Irinjalakuda diocese in Kerala has passed a resolution, condemning the recent statements of M V Govindan, the state secretary of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist). Govindan, at a public function in Kannur district, said the religious life of Catholic nuns has become a profession as nuns in England are protesting for better wages. The Communist leader visited the United Kingdom recently and was sharing his experiences at the inauguration of a new civic house building. Churches in England had been put up for sale as Christians no longer visit them, Govindan said. Churches "have turned into pubs as youngsters in England do not go to church,” he added. But “Christians from different denominations who migrated to the UK from Kerala still keep going to churches and are looking for their independent churches there,” he said. The pastoral council in its July 8 resolution asked Govindan to tender an unconditional apology and withdraw his statements. The council asked the party leader not to worry about the Church and instead look into the drastic decline of the communist parties in
Tribal Christian Is Beheaded, 3 Are Shot Dead in Manipur, India
India's Supreme Court has called on the government in the northeastern state of Manipur to provide an updated status report on the situation in the region after a tribal Christian was beheaded and three others were shot dead. On Sunday, a man identified as David Thiek was beheaded in Langza, a tribal village in the district of Churachandpur, home to Kuki-Zo tribes, as reported by First Post. One resident told the outlet that Thiek was one of several village volunteers who protected the village from looters as other residents fled from danger. In addition to Thiek's death, three others, identified as 34-year-old Ningombam Ibomcha, 26-year-old Naorem Rajkumar and 44-year-old Haobam Ibocha, were fatally shot in Manipur's Bishnupur district at the border with the hill district of Churachandpur. The news comes amid an ongoing conflict between the majority Hindu Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi tribes that began on May 3. So far, at least 137 people have been killed in the conflict, The Christian Post reports. India's Supreme Court is considering two petitions regarding the violence. One petition was filed by Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi and seeks protection for the majority Christian Kuki tribe by the Indian army. The second petition seeks to challenge a High Court directive to
Indian American Christians Discuss the Plight of Christian Community in Manipur, Offer Prayers for Peace
Hosted by the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA), the Indian Christian Day event in New York celebrated Indian heritage and Christian spirit. Indian American Christians from the greater New York area came together on July 2 to observe Indian Christian Day and to pray for members of the community in Manipur, who are facing calamity during the ongoing surge of violence in the northeastern Indian state. The celebration, which was supposed to be held on July 3, the day of St. Thomas, was held a day earlier at the Cathedral Hall of the Malankara Catholic Church in Elmont, New York. It was hosted by the Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) to celebrate Indian heritage and Christian spirit. Several church priests, and dignitaries addressed the gathering including Rev. Mark Mang, Bishop Mar Joy Allapat of the Syro-Malabar Church, Bishop Isaac Mar Filoxenos Episcopa of Marthoma Church; Bishop Mar Joy Allapat of the Syro-Malabar Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. C.V. Mathew of the Evangelical Church, Rt. Rev. Johncy Itty of the Episcopal Church, and FIACONA President Koshy George. Bryan Nerran, who had to spend seven and a half months in prison in India on trumped up
India’s top court seeks ‘status report’ on Manipur riots
Church leaders say it is 'a targeted attack to erase Christianity' in the hilly northeastern state The top court in India has sought a status report on the sectarian strife in the northeastern Manipur state, which has claimed some 120 lives since May 3. The Supreme Court on June 3 asked the Manipur state government to file an “updated status report” on the “situation on the ground,” giving specific details on rehabilitation, recovery of arms, and improving the law and order situation in the hilly state which has been hit by ethnic violence between tribal Christians and majority Hindus. The Manipur Tribal Forum, one of the petitioners, informed the court that some 120 people have been killed since the violence started over awarding special tribal status to Hindu Meitei people to get priority in government jobs, education, and other affirmative action programs meant for the indigenous people. “The situation in Manipur has worsened,” senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the forum, informed the top court. Several militant groups are openly calling for the annihilation of indigenous people, especially the tribal Kukis, a majority of them Christians staying in the hilly districts, Gonsalves added. Gonsalves accused the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Pary (BJP) state government of inaction against the
Men from warrior Sikh sect attack church in India
A mob comprised of men dressed in the traditional attire of a Sikh warrior order stormed into a church, causing significant property damage and injuring numerous church members in India’s Punjab state. The assailants, who bore the distinct Nihang attire — blue robes, swords and spears — interrupted a peaceful gathering at the Sukhpal Rana Ministries Church in Rajewal village near Amritsar city in the Sikh-majority state, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports. They brandished sticks, tore Bibles, vandalized vehicles parked outside and attacked the congregants, the group said, adding that following the initial assault, the situation escalated into a volatile confrontation, with both parties hurling stones. In response to the violent incident, the Christian community of Rajewal village protested, seeking justice and promising retaliation if immediate action wasn’t taken. They reportedly demanded charges of blasphemy against the attackers. A member of the Punjab Minority Commission reportedly visited the village to assess the situation, although subsequent action remains uncertain. The local police, including the police superintendent, visited the protest site and assured the congregation that a formal complaint had been filed and prompt action would be taken. The police have yet to confirm whether the assailants belong to the Nihang sect, who have subsequently denied
India: Bangalore Church Vandalized, Altar Destroyed
According to local sources, the Altar, a Bible and a Holy relic were destroyed in a fresh vandalism attack that has shaken the local Catholic community. Newsroom (June 21, 2023 1:14 PM Gaudium Press) – Kammanahalli is a suburb located in the north-eastern part of the city of Bangalore. The locality is a bustling cosmopolitan neighborhood with retail shops, residential areas, eateries, pubs, bars, and activities. Last night, at approximately 3AM local time, St Pius X Church was attacked and vandalized. According to local sources, the Altar, a Bible and a Holy relic were destroyed in a fresh vandalism attack that has shaken the local Catholic community. Meanwhile, reports indicate Police has arrested a Hindi speaking man as a possible perpetrator of the sacrilegious assault. a few hours after the incident, Most Rev. Peter Machado. Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore visited the Church to be with the community and support them in the aftermath of the attack. A police investigation continues as the attack is perceived by international observers as part of an orchestrated campaign to terrorize the local christian communities. This article was published on www.gaudiumpress.ca
Tamil Nadu: AICCC condemns attack on Manipur Churches, holds massive protest in support of Christians
The All India Christian Churches Council (AICCC), on Sunday, held a massive protest at the Chennai Collector Office in Parrys, Chennai, to take security measures to protect churches that were attacked in the Manipur violence. The All India Christian Churches Council (AICCC), on Sunday, held a massive protest at the Chennai Collector Office in Parrys, Chennai, to take security measures to protect Churches that were attacked in the Manipur violence. National President-Founder of the AICCC, Bishop B Mohandas headed the protest. Additionally, Christian Community National High-level leaders based in the Taluk district of Tamil Nadu along with the circle community members participated in the protest wearing black clothes. More than 400 members of various Christian organisations participated in the protest holding a board that said, "Save Manipur Christians and Churches". "We Christian community peoples gathered here to condemn the current situation in Manipur in support of our community peoples. Central Government should take necessary action immediately to save the Christian peoples", said Winson, AICCC President, South Chennai. Adding further, Winson said, "It has been more than 5 weeks since prayers were offered at the churches in Manipur. They are closed and some of them have been damaged". Additionally, the AICCC president urged the
India’s PM Modi wages war against Christians with impunity from US
Last week, President Joe Biden offered “the glitziest of welcomes” to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi both in the form of a prestigious state banquet and a private dinner with the President and First Lady. Given Modi’s atrocious record on human rights and religious freedom, the White House’s invitation predictably raised concerns from the broader humanitarian community. It's easy to understand why Biden took such a bold step despite its PR risks. India’s surging economy, which overtook the U.K. to become the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2022, makes it a critical partner. And Prime Minister Modi, despite the deplorable human rights violations that have occurred under the watch of his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is the world’s most popular elected leader with a 77% approval rating. Yet popularity and economy should not trump morality and humanity when it comes to U.S. foreign policy. In fact, America has historically been most strongly positioned when we balance economic and political interests with human rights concerns. The White House cannot and should not overlook Prime Minister Modi and the BJP’s long record of overlooking violence and abuses. The safety and lives of countless Indians — including tens of thousands of vulnerable Indian Christians —
