Catholic priests and nuns have begun leaving several violence-hit areas in Manipur, north-east India, as tensions continue to rise between two predominantly Christian tribal communities.
Church leaders say the growing unrest between the Kuki and Naga groups has created fear and uncertainty across parts of the state, following weeks of violence and a hostage dispute involving members of both communities.
According to local reports, clashes intensified after two Naga men were killed last month. Since then, at least ten people have reportedly died in retaliatory violence and abductions linked to the conflict.
A Church leader, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, said priests and nuns were now relocating from areas controlled by rival groups for safety reasons.
He warned that the movement of clergy from their communities reflected a deepening divide between Christian tribal groups that had previously lived alongside one another.
Tensions worsened further after several people from both communities were abducted earlier this month following the killing of three Kuki Baptist Church leaders in an ambush carried out by unidentified militants.
While some abducted individuals have since been released, both sides continue accusing one another of holding hostages. Local Christian leaders say frustration has grown because of delays in securing the release of those still missing.
The ongoing dispute has also led to economic blockades in some areas, disrupting the transport of food, medicine and other essential supplies.
Church sources said many families are now relying mainly on produce grown locally as shortages continue to affect affected communities.
Some Christian leaders believe the conflict could further weaken unity among believers in Manipur, particularly after years of unrest linked to ethnic and political tensions in the state.
Observers have also pointed to the wider backdrop of violence between the mainly Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo population, which has continued since 2023.
That conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Churches, homes and Christian institutions have also been damaged or destroyed during the unrest.
One Church leader said relations between Kuki and Naga Christians had remained peaceful even during earlier clashes involving the Meiteis, but warned that the current hostage crisis was creating new divisions among Christian communities.
Meanwhile, church leaders from neighbouring Christian-majority states, including Meghalaya and Nagaland, are reportedly working to encourage dialogue and restore peace between the groups.
The wider ethnic conflict in Manipur began after protests over proposals to grant tribal status to the Meitei community, a move opposed by many Kukis who feared it would affect existing protections and benefits for tribal groups.
Adapted and rewritten from reports published by UCA News.
