The United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) has established a dedicated task force to investigate the ongoing crisis in Manipur and explore potential solutions for a just and lasting resolution. This decision was made during a meeting at the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) Headquarters in Shillong on Friday. The forum has called on the Central government to intervene urgently to address the escalating conflict and the vulnerabilities faced by Christian communities in the region.
UCFNEI spokesperson Allen Brooks announced on Saturday that the newly formed task force will engage stakeholders, document the crisis’s impacts, and present actionable recommendations within the next few months. He emphasized the importance of protecting the assets and properties of displaced persons, including their lands and places of worship, from illegal encroachments and misuse. Immediate measures are being sought to facilitate the safe return and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
As winter approaches with no immediate prospect for IDPs to return home, UCFNEI has urged authorities to construct temporary shelters, upgrade existing relief camps, and ensure adequate supplies of food, medicine, and warm clothing until a fair and durable solution is reached. Members of the forum also discussed broader issues affecting religious freedom and communal harmony in the Northeast, highlighting the need for policy reforms, constructive dialogue, and interfaith solidarity to promote peace and justice.
The forum’s review of regional and national developments identified several pressing concerns, including the ongoing ethnic violence and displacement in Manipur, border tensions in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, as well as the implications of the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act, 2024, and the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, on indigenous communities. Issues regarding the pending Anti-Conversion Law in Arunachal Pradesh, land alienation, and reported intimidation against Christian institutions in Assam were also raised.
Expressing deep concern over the crisis in Manipur, which has now entered its 30th month and displaced more than 60,000 people while claiming hundreds of lives, the forum described the situation as a profound wound on the nation’s social fabric. “The prolonged delay in resolving this impasse is not just a humanitarian tragedy but a moral failure,” said Rev. Dr. Jangkholam Haokip from Churachandpur. He added that communities are crying out for justice, protection, and a path to healing.
Bishop Thomas Pullopillil, of the Ecumenism Commission NEIRBC and former UCFNEI Chairman, stated, “As stewards of faith and justice, we stand united in our call for a Northeast where every community thrives in peace and dignity.” The assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging both the Manipur government and the Central government to take immediate, concrete steps toward resolving the crisis and protecting affected populations.
Reaffirming its commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and humanitarian support, UCFNEI has called on civil society, media, and partner organizations to amplify the voices of displaced and marginalized individuals. The annual general meeting was attended by representatives from the North East India Christian Council, the North East India Regional (Catholic) Bishops’ Council, the Evangelical Fellowship of India, and UCFNEI chapters from all northeastern states, excluding Sikkim.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/11/09/united-ne-christian-forum-sets-up-task-force-on-manipur-crisis/
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Publish Date: 2025-11-09 02:16:00
