ASIA/INDIA - Hate speech fuels violence in Manipur

Thursday, 6 July 2023 violence religious minorities ethnic minorities

INDIA

2024-11-13
Violence returns to Manipur

2024-11-09
Appointment of coadjutor bishop of Nellore

2024-11-09
Appointment of bishop of Vellore, Ambrose Pitchaimuthu

2024-11-09
Appointment of bishop of Bagdogra, India

2024-11-09
Appointment of bishop of Vasai, Thomas D'Souza

2024-11-04
Resignation of metropolitan Archbishop of Madurai

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - As part of an awareness campaign, Catholic communities in India want to raise awareness of the situation in Manipur: the state in north-eastern India is the scene of violent inter-ethnic clashes (see Fides, 9/5/2023 and 9/6/2023).
Two months after the outbreak of violence, the faith communities held a special day of prayer for the suffering people of Manipur as part of the initiative on July 2nd.
The president of the Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Msgr. Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop of Trichur, expressed his deep regret on behalf of the Church of India, because "unprecedented violence and instability have held sway over the region all these days", while "acts of violence and arson continue unabated, notably in the outlying areas of the region’s valley". Houses and villages have been torched, valuables stolen and plundered, places of worship desecrated and set on fire and over 100 people have died. "More than 50,000 people have been displaced, rendered homeless and are suffering in various relief camps and private residences. Many people have left the city. Lots of people have fled Imphal and the state for safer localities", reads the message from the Indian Bishops, who urge the faithful to address "special intentions for peace and harmony" to God during the masses, adding special intentions for peace and harmony to the Prayers of the Faithful, and to organize an hour of Adoration in all parishes, as far as possible, to intercede for the people of Manipur.
The Bishops' Conference also wants its people to organize candlelight processions or peace rallies in solidarity with the Manipur people, in order to deepen people’s awareness about the situation. In addition, associations, movements and non-governmental organizations are urged to convey their concerns to the federal government, while Catholic communities across the country are urged to "generously accommodate" people coming from Manipur and provide education and hostel facilities for migrant students. Meanwhile, Caritas India launched solidarity actions and initiatives for more than 14,000 displaced people. "In the face of such violence that has been raging for the past two months, why are the institutions who should act responsibly, so deaf?" wonders Fr. George Mutholil SJ, former Jesuit Provincial of Kerala, now new Jesuit Regional Assistant for South Asia, and points to the large civil society movement that is spreading calls and organizing demonstrations across the country. "It seems that deafness is intentional. The crys of the people of Manipur just go unheard", while polarization and the phenomenon of "communitarianism" are deepening divisions in society. Over the years - notes the Jesuit - religious hatred has been incited, particularly in northern India, not only during elections but also through the proliferation of videos on social media calling on Hindus "to take up arms and fight against Christians and Muslims". "No one seems to care about such hate speeches", continues Father George Mutholil. The Hindu nationalist paramilitary organization "Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh" (RSS) claims in an editorial that "the bloodshed in Manipur was carried out with the support of the Church to stir up religious hatred", the Jesuit denounces, stating that "the violence in Manipur is the result of years of hate speech and divisive policies". And he reiterates: "Responses, which are inspired by genuine Christian charity, should expose incitement to hatred and divisive politics," he concludes, lamenting that hate speeches, portray Christians and Muslims as the prime enemy of the people of India". In this context, caught between the deafness of those in government and the impotence of local communities, the only way out is prayer accompanied by action, which means "stopping incitement to hatred and denouncing the divisive policies propagated by the ruling party". Pope Francis, according to the Jesuit, also emphasizes: " We do not come out from a crisis on our own: we need to take risks and take each other’s hand". (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 6/7/2023)