Press Statement
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is deeply saddened and shocked to note the resurgence of persecution of Christians in the peace-loving state of Manipur. Three Churches and a number of houses have been set on fire and a number of people have been forced to flee.
Counter mobilization by some Meitei groups against a demonstration of Kukis, where a Kuki war memorial was burnt down, the state police reacting late to a massive gathering of Kukis in some districts and growing anxiety among the two communities about each other in the recent past are some factors which resulted in the violence that Manipur has faced in the recent days.
The situation still remains tense even though the Army and central armed police forces have brought it under control. The North East states have setup helplines and have made evacuation plans to take people, mainly students, to safer places. The Catholic Church is very much concerned for the people of Manipur, irrespective of which tribe or community they belong to.
Through this press statement, I am requesting all Bishops to spread the message to have prayer services in parishes and religious institutions for peace in the state of Manipur and for warring parties to enter into dialogue and rebuild Manipur into the beautiful peace loving place that it was.
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath
President, CBCI
5th May 2023
