Northeast Christians protest government plans to build technology center on private land

Christians in northeastern state of Manipur have turned hostile against government plans to build a technology institute usurping 300 acres of land where four churches and a synagogue are currently located.

Ecumenical News International quoted Kim Gangte, a Seventh–day Adventist and a former member of Indian parliament who is currently leading an action committee against land seizure as saying, the government is using the project as a tool to drive out the region's Christian tribal minorities.

At least 30 percent of Manipur's 2.5 million people belong to Kuki and Naga tribal groups. They joined Christianity after the advent of British missionaries in India in the 19th century.

Christians in the state feel that the government has chosen the location as it will be convenient to the majority Hindu community and will not affect their status.

Meanwhile, shops and offices in Imphal closed December 5 in protest of the plans, ENI reported, adding that the All India Christian Council has threatened a backlash if the government pursues forced evictions and acquisitions of the places of worship.

"The continued protests have evoked no positive response so far," Madhu Chandra, the council's regional secretary, told ENI.

"Agitating against land acquisition for industrial parks has become more frequent in India," said Ron Watts, president of the Adventist Church in Southern Asia. He added that such protests often trigger violence.

On December 18, a national fact–finding team is set to visit the region to verify the allegations.