Indian Archbishop appeals for aid for Manipur's victims of violence

The Archbishop Dominic Lumon of Imphal has appealed for relief for the suffering people in Manipur; the Eastern state has witnessed unprecedented violence and turmoil in recent weeks. 

Since May 3, 2023, violence and unrest have taken over the state of Manipur.

“The Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Imphal, Manipur, is hurt, saddened, and most of all concerned at the unfolding situation,” said the Archbishop in the relief document. “Precious lives have been lost, houses burned or destroyed, belongings vandalized and looted, and places of worship desecrated and set ablaze.” 

This ongoing violence has caused ‘thousands to be displaced, rendered homeless, and languished in different shelters.’ This has resulted in ‘fear, uncertainty, and a general sense of hopelessness and desperation.’

“This situation pains us deeply. Our thoughts are with the tens of thousands of people who have been uprooted and made homeless and are now suffering in various shelters, including military barracks and relief camps,” the prelate said. 

The Archbishop said that the eviction and displacement of villages in the Forest lands (most Kuki-inhabited villages) had angered the communities.  

Pastor Ramananda's recent allegedly derogatory sermons have prompted some of the Meitei community to pledge to defend their indigenous culture and religion. These conflicts are between the Meitei and Kuki-chin-Mizo communities.

“Two communities are warring, but it has affected all the people of Manipur, irrespective of which community one belongs to. With the complexity of issues that have given rise to this situation, there seems to be no apparent reason for the present crisis,” the appeal reads. 

There are approximately 45,000 individuals in relief camps in the valley and the surrounding hills. There are about 13,800 inhabitants in Imphal West, 11,800 in Imphal East, 4,500 in Bishnupur, 5,000 in Churachandpur, and 7,000 in the Kangpokpi district.

Several media outlets reported that the government had evacuated quite a few to safe destinations.  The actual number could be higher. Spot verification is not possible as the situation is tense. 

 “As a Church on a synodal path, journeying together and accompanied by our Risen Lord and Shepherd, we need to show our solidarity with our suffering brethren; we must therefore reach out to the people in Manipur and help them return to a normal life,” said Archbishop Lumon in the statement.

An urgent appeal solicits everyone's contribution by contacting the office of the Archdiocese of Imphal directly. 

“We have initiated some relief services with the limited resources we have and are reaching out to the people in all possible ways,” the Archbishop concluded the statement. - Purushottam Nayak