UK Envoy raises concerns about violence in Manipur

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief, MP Fiona Bruce, has raised concerns about the ongoing violence in Manipur in the House of Commons.

Bruce said that hundreds of churches have been destroyed and burned to the ground in the violence, which has claimed over 100 lives and displaced over 50,000 people. She also said that schools and seminaries have been targeted, and that the violence appears to be “systematic and pre-mediated” with religion as a key factor.

Bruce called on the Indian government to send sufficient national army units to protect tribal villages, and to restore internet services which have been shut down in the state. She also urged the government to allow journalists greater access to the region.

In a statement, the Church of England said that it is “deeply concerned” about the violence in Manipur and that it is “monitoring the situation closely.” The church said that it is in contact with the Indian government and other partners to offer support to those affected by the violence.

The violence in Manipur is the latest in a series of communal clashes in India. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of violence against religious minorities, including Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs.

The Indian government has been criticized for its handling of the violence in Manipur. Some critics have accused the government of not doing enough to protect religious minorities, while others have said that the government is deliberately stoking religious tensions.

The government has denied these accusations, saying that it is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion.

The violence in Manipur is a reminder of the deep religious divisions that exist in India. It is also a reminder of the challenges that the Indian government faces in protecting the rights of religious minorities.