European Parliament calls for end to violence in India's violence-hit Manipur

Burnt Bibles from the attacks on Christians in Manipur. (Photo: Open Doors)

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the Indian government to address ongoing violence in Manipur which has seen the mass destruction of churches and Christian property, leaving at least 100 people dead and causing tens of thousands to flee from their home.

The resolution calls on the Indian government to "take urgent steps to restore calm" after tensions between the state's majority Hindu Meitei community and the mostly Christian Kuki population spilled over into violence in May. 

According to reports from Open Doors, at least 350 churches and thousands of Christian homes and properties have been destroyed, burned down and vandalised in the violence. At least 100 people have died, and over 30,000 Christians have been displaced from their homes. 

On 12 June, one woman was killed in her church while she was praying, and a day later, 11 people were killed in bomb attacks.

The resolution in the European Parliament was adopted by a large majority and urges the Indian government "to tackle the impunity enjoyed by mobs perpetrating the violence" and "respond to stem the violence in line with their international human rights obligations".

MEP Miriam Lexmann said during a debate on the resolution: "While Indian officials often like to boast that the country is the world's largest democracy, intolerance and violence against religious minorities paint a different picture.

"These attacks against Christians are not isolated incidents. They are organised, leaving behind destruction and shattered lives. The European Union cannot close its eyes to these crimes."

MEP Ladislav Ilčić said: "Our message must be clear: we will not turn our heads away from violence, and we will not turn our backs on persecuted Christians."

The resolution has been welcomed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which called the human rights situation in India "dire" and accused the country of allowing the "targeted harassment" of Christians by "radical mobs". 

"ADF International welcomes the European Parliament resolution on Manipur and joins the EU to call for urgent action to restore calm and ensure an inclusive dialogue with the participation of civil society and affected communities as the way out of the crisis," said Adina Portaru, senior counsel for ADF International in Brussels.

"The ongoing religious freedom crisis we are seeing throughout India has erupted into violent destruction and chaos in Manipur.

"It's long past time for India to not only address the situation in Manipur, but also it must eradicate any laws and policies that obstruct freedom of religion. Our prayers are with the people of India."

News
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.

Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling
Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling

An NHS trust has been accused of continually flouting the law around women’s rights by requiring female nurses to get changed in front of a biologically male nurse who goes by the name of “Rose”. 

CofE mission funding has brought in 37,000 people since 2017
CofE mission funding has brought in 37,000 people since 2017

The Church of England is happy with the progress being made by strategic mission and ministry investments.