The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, the Deputy Secretary General, Fr. Jervis DSouza, and Fr. (Dr.) Paul Moonjely, the Executive Director, appealed to all people and concerned authorities to cultivate an environment of peaceful co-existence in Manipur.

A team of Catholic Church representatives led by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath visited ethnic violence-affected areas of Manipur between July 23 and 24, 2023. The team was accompanied by Archbishop Dominic Lumon, the Catholic Archbishop of Imphal, his secretary, Fr. Samuel, and advisor, Fr. Mathew Chandrankunnel, CMI.

The State has been in constant turmoil since May 3rd, 2023, after ethnic violence erupted between two Meitei and Kuki communities. According to the reports, around 160 people were killed and around 60,000 people were displaced due to the loss of public and private property.

Caritas India is supporting the victims of violence with food, non-food items, and shelter assistance. More than seventeen thousand Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were supported in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Imphal. Caritas India has prioritised vulnerable groups among the IDPs, such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, recognising their specific needs and vulnerabilities, and will continue to do so in the future too. Throughout the response, the protection principles of Safety, Access, and Dignity have been followed.

The team visited Kakching Relief Camp to interact with and distribute relief materials to the displaced population. The relief items included food and non-food items supported by Caritas India. The medical needs of the camp are taken care of by a team of doctors working as volunteers.

At Sugnu, the Church representatives witnessed the destroyed and vandalised properties of the Catholic community. Here, the parish church and St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, which rendered educational, social, and developmental services to all communities, including Kuki-zo, Naga, Meitei, and others, had been reduced to cinders.

The Regional Pastoral Training Centre (PTC), St. Paul’s parish at Sangaiprou, and the Holy Redeemer’s Church at Canchipur, Imphal, had also been completely destroyed. This centre has been a training centre for Catechists and others. The vehicles standing at the Pastoral centre were destroyed and burned.

The CBCI President and the team also visited Chandel, the FCC Provincial House, the Regional Social Service Centre, and the Cathedral of Imphal to meet and express solidarity with the Church personnel. Previously, the crisis-affected area was visited by Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, the Assistant Executive Director, followed by Fr. Paul, Executive Director of Caritas India, along with Chairman Archbishop Sebastian Kallupura.

The Archdiocese is coordinating with other agencies for the distribution of the relief materials to all of the people placed in Imphal for the Meiteis and in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi for the Kukis. The Camillan Taskforce is providing medical support and medicines in the relief camps. The Vincentians (VC) are also actively helping the people, especially in Churachandpur.

Medicine and nutrition have emerged as emerging needs for the suffering population. The CMC and CMI Congregations also joined together to provide psychosocial support to the children affected by the violence. Now, the rehabilitation of students and continuing their education are urgent needs.

The Catholic Church condemns all forms of violence, atrocities, and attacks, especially on institutions, places of worship, and vulnerable sections of society like women and children. An appeal was made to the governance system to uphold the secular fabric of our country by reinforcing constitutional values and cultivating an environment of peaceful coexistence among various communities.

The Church in India, together with all people of goodwill around the world, is earnestly praying for the establishment of peace and harmony in Manipur. It is observed that if the violent situation is not contained sooner, it can spill over to the other Northeastern states and become uncontrollable, leading to further turbulence.

The whole Catholic Church of India is supporting the people of Manipur with all possible help through prayers, solidarity, financial help, and opening orphanages and educational and medical institutions for the displaced.

Caritas India will be engaging in long-term intervention with a special impetus on journeying with the people of concern for a dignified and safe ecosystem of co-existence. The intervention will encompass the sectors of Water and Sanitation, Safe Shelter, Safeguarding health, Mental and Psychosocial support, and basic livelihood means for a dignified living.