Escalating Tensions in Manipur: Christian Communities in Conflict
(Photo: Handout)
In Manipur, a northeastern state of India, the number of people missing has decreased significantly, dropping from 20 to just two. However, tensions persist between the Kuki-Zo and Naga groups, both of which are mainly Christian communities, as retaliatory incidents continue.
Security forces have recently recovered the bodies of six individuals believed to be Naga hostages from Leilon Vaiphei village, Kangpokpi district, who were abducted on May 13. The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal confirmed the identification of four bodies through DNA analysis, as reported by The Economic Times.
Among the identified victims are Pastor Kenpibou and Rev. Manu Thiumai, according to Ukhrul Times. This development occurred shortly after Naga civil society groups released 14 Kuki-Zo detainees.
The Kuki-Zo and Naga communities are part of Manipur’s predominantly Christian hill tribes, currently embroiled in a conflict stemming from ethnic violence that has affected the state since May 2023. The conflict primarily involves the Meitei, a largely Hindu community, and the Kuki-Zo, resulting in over 260 deaths and the displacement of more than 59,000 people.
The tension between the Kuki-Zo and Naga groups escalated on May 13, following the ambush and killing of three Thadou church leaders in Kangpokpi district. This led to a cycle of retaliatory abductions, although no arrests have been made. Kuki-Zo representatives have accused a Naga armed group, allegedly backed by the Meitei-dominated state government, of orchestrating the attack.
The 14 Kuki-Zo prisoners were released from Senapati district and returned to Taphou Kuki village after 27 days, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
According to Eastern Mirror, the United Naga Council (UNC), a leading organization for Nagas in Manipur, expressed hope for a reciprocal release of hostages following the release of the Kuki detainees. UNC President Ng Lorho stated the release was a humanitarian gesture, influenced by appeals from church leaders and political figures.
Kuki Inpi Manipur, the main Kuki organization, denied holding any Naga hostages, insisting that all abductees had been freed.
Separately, Haogin Louvum, a 55-year-old Kuki-Zo farmer, was reportedly shot dead on Tuesday by unidentified attackers while working in a paddy field in Lansan village, Tamenglong district. Kuki-Zo groups believe this was a retaliatory act by the Nagas, as reported by India Today NE.
The Catholic archbishop emeritus of Imphal, Msgr. Dominic Lumon, expressed concern over the escalating violence between these Christian communities. He commented to Asia News, “This tit-for-tat violence, the attacks on villages, the burning of houses. … There is a loss of humanity.” He emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in achieving lasting peace.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
