India: Catholic Diocese Inaugurates 20 Houses for IDPs in violence-hit Manipur

In a significant step toward healing and rebuilding, the Archdiocese of Imphal inaugurated 20 newly constructed houses on 26 July for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in St. Thomas Parish, Singngat.

These homes were provided for families displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May 2023, particularly affecting residents from Sugnu and Singtom villages.

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Pu Chinlunthang, Member of the State Legislative Assembly, with blessings and dedication led by Fr. Samy, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Tuibuang.

In his welcome address, Fr. Athanasius Mung, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Parish, shared that just before the inauguration, a rainbow appeared in the sky, a powerful symbol of hope, new beginnings, and divine assurance following the storm.

Fr. Samy expressed deep gratitude to God and acknowledged the support of local leadership, particularly the chief of Singngat, Pu Haukholien, for generously donating the land for the project.

Since the onset of the conflict, Catholic organizations throughout Manipur, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Imphal and various religious congregations across India, have mobilized efforts to provide housing for displaced Catholic families. This initiative represents a collective mission of solidarity, compassion, and dignity for those affected.

In his remarks, Pu Chinlunthang praised the Catholic Church for its timely humanitarian response. He encouraged the local community to adopt a forward-looking outlook and highlighted the educational and developmental potential of the area.

The land for the current housing project was donated by Pu Haukholien, chief of Singngat. His son, Pu Khupbawi, encouraged the community to stand united in both joyful and challenging times, and suggested naming the area "Pi Ngaikhoman Locality" in memory of his late mother. A small memorial stone was erected in her honor at the site.

To support such initiatives, the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI) launched the “Minimum of Rs. 500 to Manipur” challenge, inviting every priest across the country to contribute to the cause.

It is estimated that more than three-quarters of the displaced persons remain within Manipur, while nearly one-fifth have relocated to the neighboring state of Mizoram and other parts of India. Many have settled in the Lamka area, predominantly inhabited by the Christian Kuki-Zou community.

Catholic families in St. Joseph Parish, Sugnu, alone lost approximately 1,200 homes, along with many properties on the outskirts of Imphal. They lost everything, homes, vehicles, livelihoods, and educational institutions.

The Catholic Church’s continued commitment to rebuilding lives stands as a beacon of hope for those still recovering from the trauma and devastation of the 2023 ethnic violence.