Published on January 15, 2024, 2:04 am

Image source: Fox News

In the northeastern state of Manipur, India, persistent conflict has resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of individuals from the Kuki-Zo tribal community, mainly made up of Christians. More than eight months since the onset of violence, over 80 individuals – including women and children – have perished due to subpar healthcare services and poor living conditions at temporary shelters in one district alone.

The ongoing unrest between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo tribe over land ownership and identity was initiated on May 3, 2023. The grim fallout has culminated in no less than 158 deaths and roughly 41,000 displaced Kuki-Zo residents as stated by Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum.

According to Mary Beth from Rural Women Upliftment Society based in Churachandpur district, normally a home to the Kuki-Zo people, a minimum of 21,000 displaced residents are presently scattered over 110 relief centres. Overcrowded conditions combined with lack of specialist doctors and medications have especially compromised lives already grappling with pre-exiting health conditions such as asthma, cancer kidney problems or diabetes.

Beth further laments that governmental aid – constituted by merely one blanket and mattress for each family – has proven woefully inadequate given that an average displaced family consists around four members. With its capital Imphal hardly forty miles away yet incapable to supply medicines or other goods to Churachandpur since May 2023 due to blockade, locals only recourse is directing supplies from Aizawl – a state capital located circa 220 miles away on difficult terrain.

In spite of military country-wide influence certain civilians allegedly blockade key transportation routes stalling police personnel while local patrol forces remain under suspicion of harming the beleaguered Kuki-Zo community.

Unfavorable state situation caused some young Kuki-Zo inhabitants known as village volunteers resulting protects themselves through armament.

The bone of contention causing this discord surfaced after a controversial state supreme court directive advising the state government review prospect of allowing Meiteis, who monopolize certain economical advantages and country quotas, also obtain land within Kuki-Zo territories. This reverse discrimination permitting affirmative action solely for tribal communities stirred further malevolence. In addition to human suffering, the violence has caused destruction of over 7,000 Kuki-Zo homes and more than 350 churches.

In their makeshift act of mourning with limited resources, mass interment was held on December 20 for 87 unfortunate victims of Kuki-Zo community. Expected governmental intervention during such trying time instead garnered harsh criticism nationwide for their response to escalating menace.

Most recently in July 2023, European Parliament passed a resolution imploring the Indian government urgently implement peacemaking endeavors in Manipur. The resolution reflects deep-rooted apprehensions about potential political agendas promoting Hindu majority dynamics as well as increasing militant enforcement triggering growing mistrust toward authorities.

This stark escalation in unrest ignites grave concern revealing pressing need for trusted real news emanating from Christian worldview on international platform that voices truth on ground zero situations. Minute by minute updating breaking news becomes immeasurably vital while societies stand together against perpetuation of such ethnic violence.