By Allen Brooks
Shillong, Nov 7, 2025: Leaders from major Christian bodies across northeastern India on November 6 called for urgent governmental intervention to address escalating conflicts and vulnerabilities facing Christian communities in the region.
The annual general body meeting of the United Christian Forum of North East India (UCFNEI) at the Presbyterian Church of India Headquarters in Shillong highlighted pressing concerns of the region such as the protracted ethnic violence and displacement in Manipur and border clashes in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
The meeting also addressed the implications of the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Act 2024, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023 and its impact on indigenous communities, the pending Anti-Conversion Law in Arunachal Pradesh, Land alienation and ongoing intimidations against Christian institutions in Assam.
The gathering drew representatives from the North East India Christian Council, the North East India Regional (Catholic) Bishops’ Council, the Evangelical Fellowship of India, and the forum chapters from all Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
The forum expressed profound anguish over the Manipur crisis, now in its 30th month, which has displaced more than 60,000 people and claimed hundreds of lives. “The prolonged delay in resolving this impasse is not just a humanitarian tragedy but a profound wound on the social fabric of our nation,” said Reverend Jangkholam Haokip of Churachandpur. “Our communities cry out for justice, protection, and a path to healing.”
In response, the house unanimously adopted a resolution pressing both the Manipur and the federal governments to take immediate steps:
1. Safeguard Displaced Assets
Protect the lands, properties, and places of worship belonging to internally displaced persons from illegal appropriation by miscreants or vested interests, while facilitating their safe return and rebuilding efforts.
2. Enhance Relief Measures Amid Winter
With the onset of harsh winter and no immediate prospects for the displaced to return home, construct temporary shelter homes or upgrade existing relief camps, and ensure the provision of adequate food, medicines, and winter clothing to all inmates until a fair and sustainable resolution is achieved.
To advance these imperatives, the Forum resolved to establish a dedicated task force to conduct an in-depth study of the Manipur situation and identify viable pathways toward a just and amicable settlement. The team will engage stakeholders, document impacts, and propose actionable recommendations within the next quarter.
Discussions also underscored the broader threats to religious freedom and communal harmony in the region, emphasizing the need for dialogue, policy reforms, and interfaith solidarity. “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 Bongaigaon.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, ecumenical collaboration, and support for affected populations, urging civil society, media, and partners to amplify these voices.