Leading Christian bodies from across the Northeast have called for urgent intervention by the Centre and state governments to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Manipur, expressing profound anguish over the ethnic conflict now in its 30th month.
At the annual general body meeting of the United Christian Forum of North East India held at the Presbyterian Church of India headquarters in Shillong on November 6, representatives from major church councils across all seven northeastern states demanded immediate action to protect displaced communities and facilitate their rehabilitation.
“The prolonged delay in resolving this impasse is not just a humanitarian tragedy but a profound wound on the social fabric of our nation,” said Reverend Jangkholam Haokip of Churachandpur. “Our communities cry out for justice, protection, and a path to healing.”
Violence that erupted in May 2023 has displaced more than 60,000 people and claimed over 250 lives. The conflict has particularly devastated Kuki-Zo tribal communities in the hills.
Representatives from the North East India Christian Council, the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council, the Evangelical Fellowship of India, and forum chapters from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura unanimously adopted a resolution pressing both the Manipur and central governments to take immediate steps.
Their resolution demanded protection of lands, properties and places of worship belonging to internally displaced persons from illegal appropriation, while facilitating their safe return and rebuilding efforts. With winter approaching and no immediate prospects for those forced from their homes to return, the forum called for construction of temporary shelter homes or upgrades to existing relief camps, and provision of adequate food, medicines and winter clothing to all inmates.
“As stewards of faith and justice, we stand united in our call for a Northeast where every community thrives in peace and dignity,” said Bishop Thomas Pullopillil of Bongaigaon.
A dedicated task force will be established to conduct an in-depth study of the Manipur situation and identify viable pathways towards a just and amicable settlement. The team will engage stakeholders, document impacts and propose actionable recommendations within the next quarter.
Christian leaders also raised concerns about other regional issues, including border tensions in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act 2024, the impact of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 on indigenous communities, the pending anti-conversion law in Arunachal Pradesh, and land alienation and intimidation of Christian institutions in Assam.
This appeal comes as Manipur completes 10 months under President’s Rule, imposed on February 13 after then Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned on February 8 amid the prolonged ethnic violence. The state has remained under central administration with the Assembly frozen and funds funnelled through Delhi’s Raj Bhavan.
In a bid to revive the state government, BJP national general secretary BL Santosh and party’s Northeast in-charge Sambit Patra arrived in Imphal on November 12 for a three-day visit to assess the political situation and explore forming a stable administration. Their visit has fuelled speculation about reinstating an elected government before the extended period of President’s Rule ends.
When asked by reporters whether the Centre was planning to restore an elected government as demanded by BJP MLAs, Santosh said briefly, “Everything will be known.”
BJP leaders held meetings with 29 party MLAs, state party president Sarda Devi and other office bearers to review organisational preparedness. Former Chief Minister Biren Singh said the discussions covered issues including the condition of internally displaced persons, problems along highways, and challenges faced by citizens amid the ongoing conflict. “There is a positive response regarding the formation of a popular government as soon as possible,” he said after the meeting.
BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh said discussions centred on ensuring long-term political stability and unity within the party. “We discussed how BJP should return stronger in the 2027 elections. All MLAs have been urged to go back to their constituencies, work closely with people, and regain their trust,” he said. “The government will come, but for that, we have to work with the people.”
Santosh and Patra are also expected to hold joint meetings with National Democratic Alliance MLAs to discuss restoring political normalcy and strengthening coordination among coalition partners. They are scheduled to visit Churachandpur to meet Kuki community MLAs and gather feedback on the prevailing situation and inter-community relations.
However, political efforts towards resolution have yielded little progress. During a meeting on November 6 and 7 in New Delhi, the Ministry of Home Affairs told Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operations agreement that current policy does not support creation of new Union Territories.
Kuki National Organisation and United People’s Front have been demanding a separate Union Territory with legislature as the only way forward to end the conflict. MHA advisor for Northeast AK Mishra told the groups that while the government is sensitive to the plight of the Kuki-Zo people, consultations with other communities in Manipur are necessary.
During the meeting, the groups argued that Kuki-Zo hills were never under Manipur administration before Independence and were classified as excluded areas under the Government of India Act, 1935, administered directly by the British Political Agent rather than the Meitei king.
While these political discussions continue, the Christian forum has emphasized the immediate need for relief measures and protection of affected communities. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, ecumenical collaboration and support for displaced populations, calling on civil society, media and partners to amplify the voices of those affected by the prolonged crisis.
