Missing the Mark: Inviting PM Modi to a Christmas Reception Ignores the Plight of Persecuted Christians
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BY CLOSE TO 200 PEOPLE INCLUDING : Tushar Gandhi, Annie Raja, Father Cedric Prakash, John Dayal, Prakash Louis, Pamela Philipose, Brinelle D’souza, Aloysius Irudayam, Shabnam Hashmi, Lisa Pires, Minakshi Singh , Abha Bhaiya, and Vinod Pande. The persecution of Christians in India has been a growing concern over the past few years. According to various reports, there has been a significant increase in violence and harassment against Christians, particularly in rural areas. One of the main reasons attributed to this alarming rise in persecution is the resurgence of Hindutva nationalism, which has led to an increase in anti-minorities sentiment, specially targeting Christians and Muslims. Many religious nationalist groups, such as the Bajrang Dal and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), have been accused of inciting violence against Christians across many states. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), there were 327 incidents of violence against Christians in 2021 alone. In 2022, over 300 attacks against Christians were reported across the country, with many incidents going unreported . The United Christian Forum (UCF) reported 486 incidents of anti-Christian violence in 2022, including 115 incidents of physical violence and 357 incidents of intimidation and harassment. The UCF monitored trend listed
On Indian Independence Day, bishops reiterate Christians’ patriotism
As India celebrated its 77th Independence Day marking freedom from colonial British rule on Aug. 15, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) asserted the patriotism of Christians and called for “resolving internal challenges with empathy, understanding, and unity.” “India’s journey to freedom was not solely forged on the battlefield but also through unwavering determination, sacrifices, and visionary leadership from those of diverse backgrounds, including the Christian community,” the CBCI said in a press release. Though British imperialism spread in India when the East India Company began trading there in the 17th century, the British Parliament took total control over the Indian subcontinent in 1858. Following the massive freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi — the prophet of nonviolence — the British ended their rule over the Indian subcontinent in August 1947, dividing it into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. Hindu nationalist outlets, under the influence of the ruling BJP (the Bharatiya Janata Party, one of the two major Indian political parties alongside the Indian National Congress), have called into question the patriotism of India’s 34 million Christians. The CBCI statement addressed the charge, saying: “Christian freedom fighters left an indelible mark on India’s history. Their dedication and sacrifices serve as a poignant reminder
Complaint Lodged Against Christian Preachers For Allegedly Exploiting Manipur Crisis To Fan Communal Hatred
In a recent development, a formal complaint has been registered against Christian preachers in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana by Legal Rights activist, Legal Rights Protection Forum, accusing them of engaging in anti-national activities and enabling religious conversions. The complaint, which was addressed to the Union Home Ministry authorities, raises concerns about various incidents, including activities on national holidays and alleged involvement in the Manipur crisis. The complaint draws attention to the deliberate organization of special Christian worship programs in numerous churches across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on significant national holidays such as August 15th and January 26th. It contends that certain churches are purportedly conducting full-day prayers, camps, and youth retreats on these days with what the complainants term a “malicious intention” of diverting citizens’ focus away from the celebration of Independence Day. The complainants claim that some posters advertising these August 15th programs allegedly display disrespect to the national flag through alterations and religious inscriptions upon it. Furthermore, the complainants argue that hate-filled speeches have been delivered during these events, targeting freedom fighters and portraying them as “hell-bound disbelievers” due to their supposed lack of faith in Jesus Christ. The complainants assert that these activities are aimed at
Manipur Mobs Destroyed Hundreds of Our Churches. Yet God Calls Us Christians to Repent.
Since the beginning of May, more than 180 people have lost their lives in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. Most of these victims are Christians from the minority Kuki-Zo tribe and, in turn, thousands from these communities have fled from the violence for shelter in other parts of the state or country. Manipur is a hill-locked state with a fertile valley in the middle. The Meiteis occupy the valley districts, whereas the hill districts are the ancestral home of the various tribal communities, predating the British colonial administration. Both the hill districts and the tribal people are protected under a special act of the Indian Constitution that restricts land ownership in tribal areas. The current conflict began after the tribal community’s peaceful protest against the Meiteis’ efforts to become a “scheduled tribe” (which would also give them access to this hill land) was met with violent retaliation by a radical Meitei mob. The violence was further fueled by explosive lies spread purportedly by the Meitei community themselves, which quickly spread to the state capital, Imphal. Violent mobs started ransacking tribal houses, churches, educational institutions, and hospitals, and attacking people, including women and children. The article is published on christianitytoday.com
Catholic nuns risk their lives to serve violence-hit India’s Manipur state
Sr. Sanrupe Kharsyiumiong and her companion were busy recruiting candidates for her congregation in some parishes of Manipur, when ethnic violence targeting Christians erupted May 3 in the northeastern Indian state. After escaping, "our plan was to return in three days, but [we] got stranded in a village as mobs attacked houses and churches in several Christian villages," the 27-year-old member of the Clarist Franciscan Missionaries of the Most Blessed Sacrament told Global Sisters Report. The ongoing clash is between the majority Meitei community (who are mostly Hindu) and Kukis, one of the tribes in the state (most of them Christian). A tribal solidarity rally triggered the May 3 violence, as the Meiteis attacked the rallyists when they returned from the event. Archbishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal, the capital of Manipur, in a report submitted to visiting bishops in mid-June, stated that more than 100 civilians — mostly Christians — were killed, and 249 churches belonging to various denominations were destroyed in the violence, most of which were Baptist and Presbyterian (the two major denominations in the state). But a July 10 report that the state government submitted to the Supreme Court indicated further destruction: 142 deaths, 5,053 registered cases of arson, and the
Indian Christians led by FIACONA hold prayer for end to violence in Manipur at the United Nations
The Indian Christian community in the Tri-state area held a prayer vigil in front of the United Nations to highlight the violence in Manipur, particularly the alleged attacks on the Kuki-Zo tribal people who are mostly Christian. The Prayer rally was attended by Christians from all denominations and regions in North America in cooperation with FIACONA (Federation of Indian American Christians of North America). A press release from organizers said the vigil was attended by more than seven hundred people, and clergy conducted the prayers to decry the loss of lives and destruction of homes and churches in Manipur. “This is not a protest rally. We aim not to examine why the riots happened, who is responsible, or politics,” President of FIACONA George Koshy is quoted saying in the press release. “We are here today to pray for the rule of law in Manipur, and obviously, there are limits as to what we can do to help. However, Prayer does not have any limitations”. He further clarified that we aim not to condemn or oppose anyone politically,” Koshy added. Dr. Anna George, the leader of this event, said the suffering on the ground in Manipur was “beyond our imagination. Other speakers at the event
Concern grows as Manipur violence set to expand
India (MNN) — Analysts say violence in India’s Manipur state could soon spread. The warring Meitei and Kuki people groups have ethnic ties to communities in neighboring states, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. At least 180 people have died in Manipur’s unrest, and over 60,000 are on the run. A3’s Pastor Mang* says the conflict, ongoing since May, is largely hidden from the outside world. “My younger brother works in the police department, and he says that the shooting stops around 3, 3:30 in the afternoon, but around 5, 5:30, or 6 [pm], the shooting continues,” Pastor Mang says. “The situation in Manipur is not getting better. It’s getting worse by the day.” In the latest attack on a Kuki community, “one of our village volunteers passed away, and three sustained injuries,” he adds. Political opponents criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inaction. Modi’s only remarks about Manipur came last month after a Meitei mob paraded two Kuki girls naked and then raped them. “For the Meitei, exposing themselves naked is to show their deepest anger and hatred,” Pastor Mang says, explaining why assailants may have chosen this attack style. Unfortunately, it was not an isolated incident. “Two of our (Kuki) young girls who work [at a] car
Indian Christians to hold a prayer vigil in front of the U.N. for the victims of violence in Manipur, India on Saturday August 5 Noon
NEW YORK (TIP): ‘Concerned Citizens on Manipur,’ an activist group, is organizing a prayer vigil in front of the United Nations building in Manhattan on Saturday, August 5th, at 11 am in solidarity with the victims of violence in the northeastern State of Manipur in India and to pray for restoration of peace. The tiny State of Manipur has witnessed violent conflict between the majority of Meitei and a minority of Kuki tribes. Stabbing, chopping, burning, shooting, and other attacks killed more than 140 people. Mobs have destroyed more than 400 churches and shrines; houses have been burnt, some with inhabitants in them and over 50,000 people have been displaced into temporary relief camps in miserable states. Parading of naked women, gang rape and sexually abusing them have occurred in public spaces. Although the Government is supposed to protect the lives and properties of its citizens, the BJP government in power in the State and at the Center has done very little to quell the violence. Independent observers report that the Government has indirectly tolerated the majority Meitei community to continue the atrocities. The BJP government is a fundamentalist Hindutva party advocating for converting India into a Hindu nation. The religious
The Manipur Massacre perceived as the worst anti-Christian massacre in modern India
Open genocidal calls made by the COCOMI Meiteis against the Kukis – the Manipur Massacre is the worst anti-Christian massacre in modern India In a terrible pogrom lasting over two months, it was triggered by an old picture of a girl from Delhi being raped, falsely asserting that the Kukis had raped a Meitei girl. Mayhem prevailed when the Meiteis went on a mad rampage to burn, rape, and kill Kukis. The Manipur Massacre the longest pogrom in the history of the nine years of Narendra Modi’s governance since 2014 and some perceived it as the worst anti-Christian massacre to take place in India which is still ongoing. Many jeering references are made to the Kuki’s Christian faith, over 200 churches were burnt down and many Kuki schools were destroyed making it seem like a Christian massacre. Presently, an eerie video has emerged on social media revealing the COCOMI Meiteis screaming, translated as “All the Kukis must be killed, Kill the Kukis until they are totally wiped out, Kukis cannot stay in Manipur.” A Kuki responded to the COCOMI march, “You talk about peace and shout slogans like these?!!! Make up your minds! Please do whatever you want within your 700sq. kms area. Kill
Conditions in Relief Camps Pathetic, INDIA Delegation Tells Manipur Governor
“You are requested to apprise the union government of the complete breakdown of law and order in Manipur for the last 89 days so as to enable them to intervene in the precarious situation in Manipur to restore peace and normalcy,” the opposition alliance's letter to the Manipur governor said. New Delhi: On the second day of their Manipur visit, opposition leaders wrote a letter to the state’s governor, Anusuiya Uikey, requesting her to take effective measures to restore peace and harmony in the state. The delegation comprising 21 parties from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) are on a two-day visit to assess the ground situation in violence-hit Manipur. They told the governor that the delegation visited relief camps in Churachandpur, Moirang and Imphal, and “were very shocked and sad to hear the stories of anxieties, uncertainties, and pains and sorrows of individuals affected by the unprecedented violence unleashed by both sides (Meitis and Kuki-Zomi communities) since the beginning of the clashes”. The delegation accused the BJP-led Union and state governments of failing to protect the lives of people and properties in Manipur, and claimed that over the last three months, more than 140 people were killed and 500 were injured,
