Prayers requested after violence broke out in Manipur between ethnic Meitei and hill tribes

As violence broke out between the hill tribes and the ethnic Meitei in Manipur yesterday, prayers were requested.

The majority of Hindu and Muslim ethnic Meitei want to be classified as Scheduled Tribes, which would provide them access to all advantages, including land. 

The largely Christian hill tribes of the Kuki/Zo and Naga, however, have protested against the Meittei’s demand.

This provoked hostilities and led to significant violence in the Churachandpur district.

The region is home to a number of churches of different denominations. Following the dispute between the two groups, about 15 churches were set on fire.

On April 19, the Manipur High Court urged the state administration to “expeditiously” investigate the Meitei community’s petitions.

This led to a demonstration being organised by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur, which drew hundreds of members of non-Meitei tribes.

In order to stop the violence, the state authorities have enforced a curfew in the majority of the 16 districts of the state and shut off mobile internet for five days.

Let us pray for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the situation.