India: Pre-Christmas Celebration at Singngat IDP Relief Centre in Manipur Brings Hope and Joy

Amid lives marked by pain, loss, and uncertainty, yet sustained by deep faith, resilience, and hope, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing at St. Joseph’s School Relief Centre, Singngat, in the northeastern State of Manipur, joyfully celebrated a Pre-Christmas programme on December 16, 2025 at the relief centre campus.

The programme was organised under the meaningful theme, “Emmanuel, God Is With Us” (Matthew 1:23), symbolising God’s abiding presence even in times of suffering and displacement.

The event drew the participation of Fr. Mung, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Parish, Singngat; Fr. Mark Aimeng; Religious Sisters; Rev. Pastor Mangmuan; Shri Samuel, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), Singngat, along with his administrative team; representatives of Singngat-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); members of the Singngat Youth Club; Kuki Khanglai Lawmpi; and more than 480 registered IDPs residing in the camp.

The programme began with an opening prayer led by Rev. Pastor Mangmuan, himself an IDP from Sugnu. The event was coordinated by Mr. Johnpaul, an IDP currently residing in the camp.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Thomas Paupi, Relief Centre In-charge of St. Joseph’s School, reflected on the journey of the camp over the past two years and seven months. During this period, he noted, seven Catholics passed away, while the camp was blessed with the birth of eleven Catholic children, signs of both sorrow and hope amid adversity.

As a gesture of gratitude, Mr. Paupi presented tokens of appreciation to leaders and organisations that stood by the IDPs during the most challenging times, including the Singngat Youth Club, parish priests, the SDO, and members of the administrative staff.

In his address, Mr. Hauminthang, President of the Singngat Youth Club, congratulated Fr. Mark Aimeng on completing 42 years of priestly ministry, recognising him as the first priest from the Zou community. He humbly sought forgiveness from the IDPs for any shortcomings or mistakes during their arrival and settlement in Singngat amid the ethnic conflict, acknowledging that human efforts can fall short in times of crisis.

He also expressed concern over the growing drug menace in the region and urged the IDPs, now part of the Singngat community, to remain vigilant, reject drugs, and work together to build a peaceful and morally strong society. Reminding everyone of the transient nature of life, he encouraged them to live meaningfully and leave behind a positive legacy.

In his brief address, Fr. Mark Aimeng commended the Sub-Divisional Administration for its honest and impartial governance, especially for ensuring equal care for all IDPs, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, during the ethnic conflict. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the SDO and his team for their sincere and dedicated service to the displaced community.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Mung, the host Parish Priest, reflected on the pilgrim nature of human life, noting that there is no permanent dwelling on earth. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, he emphasised that God never abandons His people.

Sharing his personal experience during the conflict, Fr. Mung recalled how he was stranded in Imphal at the outbreak of violence and narrowly escaped danger through what he described as God’s miraculous intervention. He said the survival of the IDPs and their gathering at Singngat stand as a powerful sign of “Emmanuel, God with us.” He encouraged everyone to remain humble, grateful, and steadfast in prayer.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Samuel, SDO Singngat, highlighted the government’s role in supporting IDPs and stated that the administration sponsored the Pre-Christmas programme to enable the displaced families to celebrate Advent and Christmas with dignity, as Christians, while fostering mutual understanding and love. He apologised for any administrative lapses or hardships faced by the IDPs, particularly the delay in ration money transfers in the previous month due to a banking technical issue, and assured them of his best efforts.

The SDO clarified that there is currently no government directive to close the relief camp, as the priority remains the construction of permanent houses for all IDPs. He further observed that the Singngat Relief Centre stands out for its effective management compared to many other camps. Reaffirming his commitment to honest and corruption-free service, he sought the continued cooperation of the IDP community.

According to official figures, the ethnic conflict has resulted in nearly 60,000 displacements, 360 deaths, over 7,000 houses burned, and more than 350 churches destroyed. At present, St. Joseph’s School Relief Centre, Singngat, shelters over 480 IDPs across 118 registered households, of which 100 are Catholic families.

The Pre-Christmas celebration concluded with a sumptuous community meal sponsored by the SDO’s office. One ox was slaughtered for the occasion, marking a moment of shared joy, renewed hope, heartfelt prayer, and a deep conviction that God continues to walk with His people even in the darkest of times.