Since then, tensions have escalated, with over 300 churches destroyed and numerous militant attacks (click here). Over 70,000 Christians have been displaced, further impacted by severe flooding during June’s monsoon (click here). On 7th November, 10 more Christians were killed under suspicious circumstances involving security forces, sparking a coffin rally of 10,000 people (click here). Peace continues to elude Christians in Manipur.
Kuki-Zo Christians in Manipur are preparing for their second Christmas under siege by militant Hindus from the Meitei tribe, sharing details of their scaled-back celebrations amidst ongoing hardships.
Muted Christmas Celebrations in Manipur Amidst Ongoing Tensions
This year, Christmas in Manipur will be a subdued affair as communities in the region navigate ongoing conflict and security concerns. While the lifting of an internet and mobile phone ban on 5th December has provided some relief, the shadow of violence still looms over the festive season. Churches in the hills are preparing to host worship services, but large-scale celebrations and public gatherings remain restricted.
Reverend Chongloi, a local Christian leader, explained the limitations: “We are in a war zone. Local authorities have informed us not to celebrate Christmas like previous years. We will just have some Christmas trees in the church and hold worship services. No eating together or making fun activities.”
Local Christian leaders convened a meeting to determine what activities would be permissible this Christmas. While churches will hold services, there will be no processions, street caroling, or public nativity displays. Homes and churches will have minimal decorations, and social gatherings will be limited to small, private settings.
Rev. Chongloi’s daughter, now living in Delhi after escaping the violence in Manipur, shared a video of the Christmas decorations she has put up in her rented home.
Security Measures in Place
Buffer zones, guarded by military personnel, police, and Christian volunteers, provide a sense of safety for those attending church services. Despite the restrictions, it is expected that churches will be filled to capacity as families, many of whom were unable to celebrate Christmas last year, come together to worship. Service times have been adjusted for safety, with no midnight services on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Instead, worship will take place at designated times:
- 24th December: 4:30 PM
- 25th December: 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM
- 31st December: 4:30 PM
- 31st January: 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM
Public address systems will operate at lower volumes, and security forces will maintain a strong presence at buffer zones to prevent potential attacks. In areas where the threat of violence remains high, the government has banned Christmas services altogether.
A Fragile Peace
The lifting of a long-standing curfew on December 10 has allowed for limited late-night shopping, but life in Manipur remains far from normal. The government’s decision reflects the absence of recent militant attacks, yet the risk of violence persists. As a precaution, the tradition of public celebrations, including large-scale merrymaking and communal feasts, has been set aside.
Political Tensions
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has issued a statement urging Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to reconsider his planned visit to Kangpokpi district on 18th December to attend the Robvena Ni (post-harvest) festival, hosted by Naga people in Senapati. While the Council respects the festival, it has raised concerns over the potential risks associated with the Chief Minister’s presence in the region.
The KZC accused the Chief Minister of complicity in the ongoing violence against the Kuki-Zo community, alleging that the Meitei State Government, in alliance with extremist groups, has perpetrated attacks against the minority group. The Council fears that the Chief Minister’s visit could escalate tensions and incite unrest. In response to these concerns, it is believed that the Chief Minister will now travel by helicopter to attend the event, avoiding entry into the Kuki-Zo region.
Hope Amidst Hardship
Despite the challenges, the Christmas spirit endures in Manipur. Worship services offer a moment of solace and unity for communities that have faced immense hardship. While celebrations may be muted, the resilience of the Christian population shines brightly, a testament to their unwavering faith and hope for peace in the region.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, remarked: “For nearly two years, Christian families in Manipur have faced horrific violence, with rape, murder, and displacement used as weapons of terror. The attacks, driven by extremist elements within the Hindu Meitei community, seem to stem from a deep-seated animosity towards the Christian faith. Despite the unimaginable suffering and the destruction of churches and homes, the Christian community remains resolute. This Christmas, though muted, they continue to celebrate the birth of Christ with unshakable courage, hope, and a steadfast commitment to their faith, even in the face of ongoing hardship and fear.”
The British Asian Christian Association has raised £500, which has been sent to Rev. Chongloi to provide warm clothing for displaced children whose families have lost everything due to the recent violence. We are now aiming to raise an additional £1,500 to extend this support to families in other camps set up by churches and Christian charities. With your help, we can ensure that more children are protected from the cold and experience the warmth of God’s love. Please consider donating (here).
