The conflict began between the Kuki tribal group and Meitei ethnic group. Years of tension had been brewing between them.
Members of the Kuki organization called the All Tribal Student Union Manipur arranged a tribal solidarity march to protest the Meitei group. It’s reported close to 60,000 protestors came out to march. But the march turned violent.
The Meitei group, fueled by the political influence of the Hindu nationalist organizations Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), went on the offensive. Members of the Meitei group burned down churches, tore down houses and attacked innocents. The casualties in India so far:
–71 people have been confirmed dead.
–230 have reported injury.
–1,700 houses have been torched.
-100 churches were burned.
–45,000 citizens fleeing the violence—the majority of which are believers—have been displaced.
If the situation in Manipur couldn’t get any worse, a cyclone is now building over the Bay of Bengal. With so many citizens without shelter, the situation is extremely dangerous for thousands. Heavy downpours and harsh wind make the risk of landslides great. And the cyclone is predicted to strike Manipur head-on.
Our Indian family are in desperate need of help.
Global Christian Relief is on the ground, strengthening and serving our vulnerable brothers & sisters in Christ, but the need is great.
Are you able to help? Your gift today could provide the emergency relief so many are in need of, including food, medicine, shelter and more. Give now to strengthen the global Church!
To read more of this developing story and get exclusive updates, be sure to check out the Global Christian Relief Prayer App.
Tim Dustin is a staff writer for Global Christian Relief, a nonprofit Christian ministry that works to strengthen persecuted believers and raise awareness regarding Christian persecution. For more information, visit our website at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
