Imphal, June 13: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), representing recognized tribes in the Churachandpur district, reported that 253 churches have been set ablaze during the continuing unrest in Manipur.
The ITLF made this claim in a memorandum submitted to Governor Anusuiya Uikey during her visit to Churachandpur, located approximately 60 kilometers from Imphal.
Churachandpur is one of the districts heavily affected by the violence that erupted on May 3 after a solidarity rally opposing the majority Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribe status in the ten hill districts. The clashes between the predominantly Hindu Meiteis and the mostly Christian Kukis have resulted in over 100 deaths and 50,698 people being displaced.
The three-page memorandum submitted by ITLF chairman Pagin Haokip and secretary Muan Tombing alleged that the Kuki-Zo people have been subjected to an ethnic cleansing campaign by the Meiteis and the communal government of Manipur.
It stated, “In the state-sponsored pogrom against our people since May 3, we have lost as many as 100 precious lives, and many more remain unaccounted for. Approximately 4,500 houses in 160 villages have been burned down, leaving about 36,000 people homeless.”
The memorandum also mentioned that 253 churches were among the properties destroyed, leading to thousands of people relocating to various parts of the country. Along with the memorandum, the ITLF provided a list of the deceased, as well as the churches, administrative buildings, quarters, and villages that have been torched since the unrest began.
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It also included a list of relief centers and photos showing the alleged involvement of state leaders with the Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organization accused by the Kukis of being associated with the unrest.
Regarding the destruction of church properties, Ginza Vualzong from the ITLF’s media and publicity wing stated that 93 church administrative buildings and quarters, along with churches, were burned primarily in the Imphal valley and boundary areas.
The ITLF expressed its refusal to accept Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as a member of the peace committee constituted by the Union Home Ministry on June 10, claiming that he cannot be considered impartial in matters concerning the Kuki-Zo community.
Reacting to the news, Allen Brooks from the United Christian Forum of North East India expressed deep concern and stated that the large-scale destruction and desecration of churches were tragic. He emphasized that the issue at hand is not just about the destruction of churches but also about the security of the people and the secular fabric of the country.
The ITLF highlighted in the memorandum that attacks on tribal people and territories were still ongoing in areas bordering Meitei settlements in the valley. Meitei organizations, on the other hand, have countered the allegations by accusing Kuki militants of fueling the unrest. They have also pointed out the entry of narco-terrorists from Myanmar, creating trouble for the indigenous people of Manipur.
The ITLF further alleged that their demands for better security to safeguard lives and villages, conveyed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the state last month, were not met. Despite their appeals, more villages were burned, and additional lives were lost.
The unrest in Manipur continues to pose a significant challenge, with the destruction of churches and escalating tensions between different ethnic groups. Efforts to establish peace and address the concerns of all parties involved remain crucial in bringing stability to the region.
