The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has expressed serious concern over alleged attacks on Christian communities and places of worship in Manipur and other parts of India.
“The most egregious manifestation of this crisis is the destruction in Manipur, where, since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, over 350 churches and Christian institutions belonging predominantly to the Kuki-Zo tribal communities have been systematically razed, burned, or vandalized. These attacks occurred amidst widespread violence that claimed hundreds of lives, destroyed over 4,000 homes, and displaced more than 60,000 people,” a statement issued by KOHUR stated.
“The targeting of these sacred spaces represents a deliberate strategy to erase the spiritual and cultural anchors of a religious minority, not mere collateral damage in conflict,” it said.
“Two and a half years later, the scars remain deep. Congregations are displaced, pastors threatened, and the path to rebuilding obstructed, forcing many to observe religious holidays in exile, separated from their homes and sanctuaries. Compounding this tragedy, a nationwide pattern of intolerance violently resurfaced during the recent 2025 Christmas season,” it said.
The statement added that KOHR has documented coordinated attacks across multiple states—including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, and Rajasthan. Incidents include the vandalism of Christmas decorations in public spaces and malls, physical assaults on carol singers and worshippers—including children and the visually impaired—harassment of vendors, and the storming of venues by mobs.
The organization demanded immediate, impartial, and expedited judicial investigations into the destruction of churches in Manipur and the attacks during the 2025 Christmas season, ensuring full accountability for all perpetrators and conspirators besides swift prosecution under relevant laws protecting religious freedom and prohibiting hate crimes, and implementation of robust measures to protect Christian communities, particularly during religious observances, to prevent further intimidation and violence. (EOM)
