The Indian Christian Collective for Justice is a space for people who dare to speak truth to power and resist injustice and abuse of power. It is an open and inclusive space for all who are committed to exploring inclusive, non-hierarchical, and people-based expressions of Christian presence in India.
We are deeply shocked and pained to hear about the recent violence in the state of Manipur. About 71 people have been reported dead, over 200 others were injured while nearly 1700 houses have been torched during the clash between the majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis in Manipur. Around 35000 people have been displaced. The shadow of insecurity still looms large over the state, and many people feel abandoned and engulfed in despair.Fear and suspicion continue to harm relationships among communities.
We are also disturbed by the violent attackson religious minorities, especially Christians.We condemn the destruction of 222 church buildings, both in the hill districts and the valley of Manipur. This targeted attack on Christians hasrevealed the misuse of religious identities by vested political interests.
We stand in solidarity with all the affected people, families, and communities of Manipur in their grief and loss. We pray for peace and safety of all people of Manipur.
We appeal to community and civil society organizations, inter-faith collectives, human rightsorganisationsand churches in Manipur to come together to prevent further violence by facilitating dialogue and resolution of grievances.We believe that such acts of collectiveconcern alone can facilitateforgiveness, healing and reconciliation, and thus establish lasting peace.
We demand that the governments at the centre and the state do all in their power to protect all, put in place mechanisms for justice, ensure security and rehabilitation for all affected and displaced communities within the State.
We appeal to all to pray for peace in Manipur and similar places which are broken by suspicion and hatred.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” 2 Corinthians 5:18
In Solidarity
Indian Christian Collective for Justice
Annie Namala, Aruna Gnanadason, Chandran Paul Martin, David Selvaraj, Deenabandhu Manchala, Bishop Geevarghese Mor Coorilos, Inbaraj Jayakumar, Israel Gollapalli, Jesudas Athyal, Joseph Prabhakar Dayam Paul Divakar, Philip Peacock, Samuel Jayakumar, Seno Tsuhah, Shanthi Mathai, Sonia George, Sudipta Singh and Wati Longchar
(The members of the Collective do not represent any church, organization or institution)
