Escalating Persecution in Manipur
For the past year and a half, severe terrorism against Indian Christians has escalated in Manipur, India. The attacks of Hindu and non-tribal people – known as the Meiteis – against tribal and Christian people have significantly worsened over time.
Homes, churches and people continue to be burned for their beliefs.
Just this past week, the Meitei terrorists attacked Christian communities in Jiribam, where the most important district headquarters of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of East India (WMCEI) is located. There, terrorists burned down and vandalized 25 houses and five church buildings. Among those vandalized includes the District Superintendent quarter, the district office, four apartment buildings and at least five houses belonging to district members.
By the grace of God, no members were injured, as the houses had been deserted in time. Now the members are displaced, staying in various places, including relief camps.
The fall of Jiribam is a deeply tragic loss for WMCEI, one that has left our brothers and sisters feeling helpless.
In addition to this loss, over the past week, 10 young Christian village volunteers were brutally killed for guarding one of the villages with guns.
Photo from a relief camp in Manipur earlier this year.
This is one example, Manipur Wesleyan Church leaders said, which demonstrates that the central and state governments are against them, just because they are Christians.
These dear leaders also passed along that in a quiet village within the Jiribam district, a devoted teacher and loving mother was attacked and burned to death, allegedly at the hands of the Meiteis. As she was well-known for her dedication to nurturing children in the village, her loss has left her village heartbroken. The circumstances of her death have also left villagers feeling vulnerable and scared. To put it simply, the attack feels personal.
As these are among the stories and reports being communicated to our fellow Christians in such a horrific time, the concern for their security and care is at an all-time high. And, due to a government ordered internet shutdown, they’ve been unable to organize church services amid these tragedies.
One leader wrote, “continue to pray for us that we may be able to extend helping hands to persecuted Christians.”
We urge you, brothers and sisters, to continue interceding on their behalf. Prayer is absolutely essential.
If you would like to give to support the Church, our conflict response project is still open: