Urgent Call for Action: Addressing Killings and Violence Against Christians and Ethnic Minorities in Manipur |
|
June 30th, 2023
Justice For All Canada is deeply outraged over the targeted killings and violence of Christians and ethnic minorities, including the escalation of violence between the Kuki and Meitei groups, perpetuated by state authorities in Manipur, India.
According to the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC), Christians are being targeted across both communities. Over 300 Christians were killed, and more than 500 churches were destroyed. The loss of lives, destruction of homes and churches, displacement of tens of thousands of people, and ongoing clashes are alarming.
“Abuses of human rights by government forces and by armed opposition groups have long been a feature of daily life in Manipur. It is critical that the current government breaks with the past and shows the people of Manipur that their rights matter.” —Amnesty India
“This is another attack on minorities in India. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared his commitment to minority rights during his Washington trip, we look forward to immediate restorative action from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
The root causes of the unrest are due to economic and social inequalities faced by minority communities in Manipur. Initially, the Manipur High Court ruled to include Meiteis on the "Scheduled Tribes list". This would have addressed the historical marginalization and discrimination of this community. However, it has unfortunately triggered protests and resistance, leading to violent confrontations.
Manipur region’s militarization, including the deployment of thousands of troops, government-imposed internet shutdowns, and overnight curfews have only heightened fear and suspicion. Justice For All Canada urges the BJP to condemn the violence and hate speech perpetuating tensions.
Restoring internet services is also essential for communication and access to information. The BJP government should actively monitor and take decisive measures to curb hate speech, ensuring it does not fuel tensions and incite violence.
It is imperative for the BJP to ensure that security forces exercise impartiality to protect the rights of all individuals, irrespective of ethnic background. From a strictly humanitarian perspective, ethnic tribes also deserve a comprehensive strategy that addresses disputes over land rights, economic resources, and opportunities.
Justice For All Canada is deeply outraged over the targeted killings and violence of Christians and ethnic minorities, including the escalation of violence between the Kuki and Meitei groups, perpetuated by state authorities in Manipur, India.
According to the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC), Christians are being targeted across both communities. Over 300 Christians were killed, and more than 500 churches were destroyed. The loss of lives, destruction of homes and churches, displacement of tens of thousands of people, and ongoing clashes are alarming.
“Abuses of human rights by government forces and by armed opposition groups have long been a feature of daily life in Manipur. It is critical that the current government breaks with the past and shows the people of Manipur that their rights matter.” —Amnesty India
“This is another attack on minorities in India. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared his commitment to minority rights during his Washington trip, we look forward to immediate restorative action from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
The root causes of the unrest are due to economic and social inequalities faced by minority communities in Manipur. Initially, the Manipur High Court ruled to include Meiteis on the "Scheduled Tribes list". This would have addressed the historical marginalization and discrimination of this community. However, it has unfortunately triggered protests and resistance, leading to violent confrontations.
Manipur region’s militarization, including the deployment of thousands of troops, government-imposed internet shutdowns, and overnight curfews have only heightened fear and suspicion. Justice For All Canada urges the BJP to condemn the violence and hate speech perpetuating tensions.
Restoring internet services is also essential for communication and access to information. The BJP government should actively monitor and take decisive measures to curb hate speech, ensuring it does not fuel tensions and incite violence.
It is imperative for the BJP to ensure that security forces exercise impartiality to protect the rights of all individuals, irrespective of ethnic background. From a strictly humanitarian perspective, ethnic tribes also deserve a comprehensive strategy that addresses disputes over land rights, economic resources, and opportunities.