“As stewards of faith and justice, we stand united in our call for a Northeast where every community thrives in peace and dignity”
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 8: The United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) has set up a dedicated task force to conduct an in-depth study of the ongoing crisis in Manipur and identify possible pathways towards a just and lasting resolution.
The decision was taken during a meeting held at the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) Headquarters in Shillong on Friday.
The forum urged the Centre to intervene urgently to address the growing conflict and the vulnerabilities faced by Christian communities across the region.
UCFNEI spokesperson Allen Brooks said on Saturday that the newly-formed task force will engage with stakeholders, document the impacts of the crisis, and present actionable recommendations within the next quarter.
Brooks further stressed the need to safeguard the assets and properties of displaced persons, including lands and places of worship, from illegal encroachments and misuse.
He called for immediate measures to facilitate the safe return and rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
With the onset of winter and no immediate prospects for IDPs to return home, the UCFNEI called upon the authorities to construct temporary shelters, upgrade existing relief camps, and ensure an adequate supply of food, medicine, and warm clothing until a durable and fair solution is achieved.
During the meeting, members also discussed the broader issues affecting religious freedom and communal harmony in the Northeast. They emphasised the need for policy reforms, dialogue, and interfaith solidarity to uphold peace and justice.
The forum’s review of regional and national developments highlighted several pressing concerns — including the prolonged 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. The pending Anti-Conversion Law in Arunachal Pradesh, land alienation, and reported intimidations against Christian institutions in Assam were also raised.
Expressing deep anguish over the Manipur crisis — now in its 30th month and having displaced over 60,000 people and claimed hundreds of lives — the forum described the situation as a “profound wound on the social fabric of the nation.”
“The prolonged delay in resolving this impasse is not just a humanitarian tragedy but a moral failure,” said Rev. Dr. Jangkholam Haokip of Churachandpur. “Our communities cry out for justice, protection, and a path to healing.”
“As stewards of faith and justice, we stand united in our call for a Northeast where every community thrives in peace and dignity,” added Bishop Thomas Pullopillil, of the Ecumenism Commission NEIRBC and former UCFNEI Chairman.
The house unanimously adopted a resolution urging both the Manipur government and the Centre to take immediate, concrete steps toward resolving the crisis and ensuring protection for the affected populations.
Reaffirming its commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and humanitarian support, the UCFNEI called on civil society, media, and partner organisations to amplify the voices of the displaced and marginalised.
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 the northeastern states, barring Sikkim.
