Although almost two years of turbulence have passed, tensions persist in Manipur, India. Although there are less shooting in the front lines, young people armed with both communities remain in constant surveillance, due to trust problems and unresolved conflicts. For the Kuki community, a big problem is the impossibility of accessing the only airport in Imphal, which hinders trips outside the State for medical, educational and others.
Many chronic patients and older people have lost their lives due to the combined effects of stress and lack of access to quality medical care in Manipur hills. Students now travel long distances to take exams in neighboring states, and many families with economic difficulties have renounced their professional dreams. Meanwhile, in Imphal, where the majority of the Méitei displaced community is settling, there have been cases in which the few Christians of that ethnic group have faced persecution by extremist groups such as Arambai Tenggol, among others.
Christians have been prevented from participating in prayer meetings, even in their own homes, and have been denied social rights. In contrast, the Kukis, a traditionally Christian community, do not suffer religious persecution within their group, but attending the Church in villages close to the front line is difficult due to the risk for their safety. Amid extreme violence, thousands of followers of Jesus have been forced to flee, becoming internal displaced.
A purpose in the middle of the struggles
“Two years have passed, but there are still nights when we wake up thinking that we are at home. The social division has become more real and our communication with friends of the opposite community has stopped, with a nonverbal mutual understanding. There is fear, search for benefits from the misfortune of others and celebrations for the loss of lives of the ‘enemy side’ in social networks,” says Laboi (Pseudonym), a local Christian.
Life in internal displaced camps in Manipur is very challenging
Those who pray constantly remain seeking solidarity and comfort among other brothers in Christ in Manipur, but without success. “Once I saw a woman with so much hatred and despair in the eyes that looked at everyone around with distrust,” says Laboi.
The magnitude of the conflict is so great that there are still people who load with enormous weight, unable to rebuild their lives. “The struggles we face remind us that there is a purpose. In our home, we have a poster that says: ‘Crows me, and I will answer you, and I will show you great and hidden things that you do not know. Jeremiah 33’, which has been our family guide. That is what I choose to remember, not violence or losses, because many have lived more painful experiences than mine. When they prayed, despite the crowd that was approaching to tear down our gates, and the Meitei friends who came with medications and food while we were in the camps, ”he says.
“Until now, our house is occupied by people displaced from another community and by an extremist group. We do not know what will happen in the future. Please, pray through the guidance and protection of God. Thank God, our family did not lose anyone during the conflict and we all managed to leave. Our faith has been stronger than ever. Thank God, the churches of the Kuki community and between the Meitei are being offered to care for their brothers. displaced.
“Thank God for so many churches, people and associations that have presented themselves to help all those affected. Thank God for having chosen us and for being our dildo and refuge,” concludes the Christian.
Names changed for security
Pray for the displaced Christians in Dip 2025
There are thousands of Christians displaced in the world such as Laboi, in India and in 60 countries. Through prayer, it is possible to change the situation of our family in faith. Organize on the Sunday of the Persecuted Church (Dip) 2025 in your Church and motivates others to pray for Christians who have been forced to flee because of violence.
