India: Nearly 400 churches destroyed, 64 Christians killed in Manipur violence

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Sixty-four Christians have been killed, and 397 churches have been destroyed amid an ongoing wave of ethnic violence in India’s Manipur state, Christian Headlines reports. 

The violence in Manipur broke out on May 3 in the Imphal Valley and Churachandpur, where Christians associated with the Kuki-Zo communities live, CH reports.

Rioters allegedly stole 1,000 weapons and 10,000 rounds of ammunition from the Manipur Police Training College, two local police stations, and an IRB battalion camp in Imphal during the first few days of the violence.

Among those responsible for the violence are Meitei Hindus who have attacked Kuki Christian people and churches. Residents reported a breakdown in law and order.

In addition to the attacks on nearly 400 churches, Meitei Hindus are reported to have damaged, burned or destroyed six Christian institutions, CH reports. Moreover, 1,700 homes were damaged, destroyed, or burned: 50,000 people, including some 35,000 Christian tribals, have been displaced.    

Ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014, India ranks 11th on the US Open Doors World Watch List 2023 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

 

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