Since the beginning of May, more than 200 people have lost their lives, and over 70,000 have been displaced in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. Most of the victims are Christians from the minority Kuki-Zo tribe. Consequently, thousands from these communities have fled the violence, seeking shelter in other parts of the state or country.
Manipur is a hill-locked state with a fertile valley in the middle. The Meiteis occupy the valley districts, while the hill districts are the ancestral home of various tribal communities, predating the British colonial administration. Both the hill districts and the tribal people are protected under a special act of the Indian Constitution that restricts land ownership in tribal areas.
The current conflict began after the tribal community’s peaceful protest against the Meiteis’ efforts to become a “scheduled tribe” (which would also grant them access to this hill land) was met with violent retaliation by a radical Meitei mob. The violence was further fueled by explosive lies allegedly spread by the Meitei community, which quickly reached the state capital, Imphal. Violent mobs began ransacking tribal houses, churches, educational institutions, and hospitals, attacking people, including women and children.
The conflict has claimed the lives of 15 children, while 28 remain missing since violence broke out on May 23, 2023. Thousands of displaced children are now out of school, their educational dreams shattered .
The recent violence in Manipur has left a trail of devastation, particularly for the Christian community. More than 1,000 villages have been burned down, around 10,000 houses looted and destroyed, and over 70,000 families from both communities have been displaced. These families are now living in relief camps or with relatives in neighboring states, grappling with the loss of their homes and the disruption of their lives.
Among the most affected are the children, who have lost invaluable opportunities to attend school or college. Many of these young minds are now confined to relief camps, uncertain about their future and education.
In response to this crisis, Ecclesia United International, under the leadership of our Chairman, Father Johnson Thekkadayil, has embarked on a mission to assist these displaced children, particularly those from the Kuki tribe. Our goal is to help them continue their education in the southern Indian state of Kerala. With the generous support of various Christian denominations in Kerala, we have already sent the first batch of students to schools and colleges there.
However, many more children from Manipur are eagerly looking for opportunities to pursue their education and achieve their career dreams. To make this possible, we need your support. We must cover their educational and accommodation expenses, ensuring they have a stable and supportive environment to thrive in.
We urgently appeal to you to support Father Johnson and Ecclesia United in this noble cause. Your donations can transform lives, providing these children with the education they deserve and the hope they desperately need.
Please contribute generously and help us fulfill the dreams of these young, resilient minds. Your support can make a world of difference.
Donate Now and be a part of this transformative journey. Together, we can bring hope and a brighter future to the children of Manipur.
For donations visit : https://ecclesiaunitedinternational.org/donate/
Thank you for your compassion and generosity.
