“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”
At least 250 people have been killed, and more than 50,000 displaced, as ethnic violence between the Christian Kuki-Zo tribe and the Hindu Meitei tribe has reignited in Manipur, northeastern India, according to a report by International Christian Concern (ICC) on March 25.
The most recent clash occurred on March 18 in Churachandpur district, a region known as home to many Kuki-Zo people. The violence resulted in the death of a 51-year-old Meitei man and left several others injured.
The root of the conflict dates back to a 2023 ruling by the Manipur High Court, which recommended granting “Scheduled Tribe” status to the Meitei community, the Hindu majority in the region. Under India’s constitution, this status provides access to educational, employment, and political advantages. The Christian minority Kuki-Zo tribe strongly opposed the ruling, fearing that it would grant the already dominant Meiteis greater access to land and resources in Kuki areas.
Although the Supreme Court of India later criticized the lower court’s decision, the violence had already escalated beyond control. Both the central government and Manipur state government at the time were led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As the unrest continued, the Indian federal government imposed presidential rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025. Following this, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, a Meitei, resigned from his post.
Although the violence may appear to be ethnic in nature, clear signs of religious persecution are also evident. In recent attacks, over 400 churches belonging to the Christian Kuki-Zo community have been looted or set on fire, and there are reports of violence and rape against women.
Security forces are now conducting “flag marches” to restore order and prevent further outbreaks. Many Kuki-Zo residents have fled to safer areas, while local politicians and tribal organizations are calling for peace and restraint.
In a joint statement, six suspended lawmakers from Manipur’s state assembly said “We must remember that we are going through one of the most serious and difficult times in our history. We have fought shoulder to shoulder for our rights. To resolve misunderstandings and secure the future of our community and generations to come, let us reflect on the value of Christian forgiveness and seek peace.”(Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper Edited)
In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalms 31:22-24,NIV)
God, we come before You, the righteous Lord, with grieving hearts over the tragic news of lives lost and many displaced in the ethnic conflict in Manipur, India. We ask that You break the schemes of the evil one who stirs up violence, division, and the destruction of peace. Turn the hearts of political leaders who promote discrimination and give them integrity to govern with fairness and justice. Comfort Your people who are suffering through persecution and hardship. Strengthen them to stand firm and courageous in faith. May the Church, marked by the grace and love of the cross, act with compassion and goodness, and reflect the justice and mercy of Christ, our hope.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
