Abp Linus Neli of Imphal has requested Pope Francis to pray for the people of Manipur state in north-eastern India. The archbishop made the plea on September 21 during an audience with the Pope. He was in Rome to attend the September 15-22 formation course for newly appointed bishops organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization. In a message shared with the people of Manipur via social me-dia, Abp Neli expressed his heart-felt prayers for his community, emphasizing the urgent need for God’s intervention to restore peace in the troubled region. He conveyed to the Pope the dire si-tuation in Manipur and requested the pontiff to pray that the people there might live in harmony, em-bracing forgiveness and recon-ciliation. Ethnic violence, raging in Manipur since May 3, 2023, has led to the deaths of at least 220 people and driven thousands to relief camps. “It is difficult, yet forgiveness and love for ene-mies are the only ways forward, as our divine Saviour Christ tau-ght us on the cross at Calvary,” Abp Neli stated, urging people to recognize their shared huma-nity amid the ongoing turmoil. The unrest in Manipur started after the Manipur High Court directed the local government to study the possibility of extending the reservation for tribal commu-nities to Meiteis, the largest ethnic group in the state. The special economic advantages and quotas in government employment and education is currently enjoyed by the Kuki community. The ruling has intensified pre-existing ten-sions between the two groups, deepening ethnic divides and triggering widespread turmoil.
The unrest has had serious repercussions for Manipur, which borders Myanmar. Around 60,000 people have been displaced, with numerous families compelled to abandon their homes in search of safety. Reports suggest that thousands are still living in precarious conditions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area. Archbishop Neli became the head of the Catholic Church in October 2023 during the challenging time for the community. Many homes, buildings, and churches have been destroyed, impacting both the local people and the church. In response, many supporters have stepped up to help those affected by the violence. Archbishop Neli’s request for the Pope’s prayers highlights the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in Manipur. The 67-year-old prelate has encouraged the Catholic community to keep Manipur in their prayers during October, the month of the Rosary. In a separate message to Matters India, the archbishop said he also appealed to the Pope to pray and bless for Myanmar in civil war, Bangladesh in political instability. The Pope “showed great concerns of such gravity and he encouraged us not to lose heart,” Archbishop Neli said.