On Friday, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore released a statement expressing worry over the alleged targeting and persecution of Christians in Manipur following the outbreak of violence in the state.

According to Archbishop Peter Machado, harassment of Christians in the state has recently increased.

According to reports, three churches constructed in 1974 as well as a few homes had been set on fire, forcing the occupants to leave to safer locations.

There have also been reports of threats against Jesuit priests and the burning and desecration of over a dozen additional churches.

This, according to the archbishop, showed how seriously dangerous it is for those whose religious practices and beliefs are being targeted. He proceeded by saying that we continue to pray that the crisis would be under control and that the people of Manipur will once again be able to live in peace and confidence.

The archbishop also made the point that since the people have given the ruling party their support, the government has to protect religious freedom.

Incident
On Wednesday, tensions between the predominantly Hindu and Muslim Meitei ethnic community and the predominantly Christian Naga tribal group reached a breaking point during a protest in Manipur.

Approximately 9,000 people have been evacuated during the rioting, although the exact numbers of lives lost and property damaged have not yet been released.

Non-Meitei groups' opposition to the Meitei's wish to be recognized as a "Scheduled Tribe," which would grant them certain rights to employment and land, is what initially triggered the conflict.

According to reports, the Meitei make up more than 50% of Manipur's population.