India: Extreme Persecution in Manipur

A pastor being attacked by a Hindu mob.

Violence, political unrest, and persecution have taken over the Manipur region in northern India. On May 3rd, 2023, the Kuki tribe, a Christian ethnic group in Manipur, protested the plan to give the majority ethnic group, the Meitei, the status of “Registered tribe.” This ruling would grant the Meitei special privileges above the Kuki in government jobs, colleges, and even land that has historically belonged to the Kuki tribe. Most of the Meitei people group is Hindu. The protests turned extremely violent and resulted in a death toll of an estimated 160 lives and the destruction of several communities within Manipur. ATMs were cut off, food and fuel prices are now four times higher, and a civil war is expected to break out. Over 30,000 people are now looking to escape to safety.

Our GCP-supported missionary in Manipur shared that the Christian community in this region has suffered greatly because of these protests. He shares that pastors and churches have lost everything due to the ongoing violence. The small amount of Meitei that identify as Christian are being threatened to convert back to Hinduism during this time or be attacked. Over 40 Christian churches and 1,000 Christian homes were burnt to the ground. Our leader explains that because the political leaders and the local authorities continue to instigate and encourage the protests, many Kuki tribes, along with other ethnic groups, are looking to relocate to avoid further violence.

Please pray for peace and stability in Manipur. Pray that the Lord brings comfort and strength to those suffering from the destruction and violence of the protests.