Christian Council Appeals State Government to Look into the Challenges Faced by the Christian Minorities

Pallel (Manipur), May 17, 2014

Christian Council Appeals State Government to Look into the Challenges Faced by the Christian Minorities
Awareness Given to the Villages on Indo-Burma Highways on the Vulnerability of Human Trafficking

All India Christian Council (aicc) conducted one day seminar on the challenges faced by the Christian minorities in Manipur and vulnerability of human trafficking in the context of Indo-Burma Highway at Pallel today. Over 200 key leaders from the churches and different communities living on Indo-Burma Highway attended.

Rt. Rev. Paothang Haokip, Deputy Moderator of Good Shepherd Community Churches, Hyderabad Diocese, Rev. Madhu Chandra, Regional Secretary of aicc Manipur Branch, founder and former Spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline and Ms. Hechin Haokip, Secretary of Centre for Women and Girls, were the resource persons.

Addressing the grievances faced by the Christian minorities, particularly the Meitei, Rongmei Christians, Bishop Paothang Haokip says, “Like some of the states in India, the Christian Minorities in Manipur have faces severe persecution in different villages in recent years. The response from the state Government to curve the difficulties faced the Christian minorities is the matter of Concern.”

Manipur has witnessed server Christian persecutions in last few decades. Churches were burnt down, death bodies reconverted into Hinduism and Christian families are expelled from the villagers. Many of them are still living without justice given.

Bishop Haokip also mentions, “Pallel is important place as far as trade relationship between India and Asian counties that the Government of Manipur and India must take keen interest in the locality to ensure fair trade and safety to the vulnerable communities to the challenges of human trafficking in the area.”

Ms. Hechin Haokip addressed the plights faced by the women and girl child in the state of Manipur. She said, “The crime against women has increased within the state in last few years. The government of Manipur must adopt strong law, policy and plan of action to curve the crime against women. The laws passed by the Central Government on the safety of women must be implemented immediately.”

Calling upon the Church and community leaders to tackle the human rights violation against the Christian minorities and women, Rev. Madhu Chandra said, “Filing FIR in the police station and seeking help from the concerned ministries or constitutional bodies like Human Rights Commissions and Minorities Commissions, are very important while seeking justice. Tracking reports on crime against Christian minorities and women in general will be helpful while seek help from higher constitutional bodies.”

The All India Christian Council (www.christiancouncil.in), birthed in 1998, exists to protect and serve the Christian community, minorities, and the oppressed castes. The aicc is a coalition of thousands of Indian denominations, organizations, and lay leaders.

Released by

Mr. S. Khaling
Seminar Coordinator –
All India Christian Council
Logos Bhavan, Medchal Road, Jeedimetla, Secunderaband, AP