Kuki women in the Indian state of Manipur put their bodies on the line. In June 2023 violence erupted between the mostly Hindu Meiteis, dominant in the lowlands, and the mostly Christian Kukis, more populous in the highlands of Manipur. Hundreds of churches and homes were destroyed as well as some temples. Tens of thousands of people were displaced.
In the community of Churachandpur, not far from the capital of Imphal, a mob of Kukis headed toward local Meiteis. A line of Kuki women put their bodies in the way, blockading the streets between the enemy groups. Eventually their presence defused the volatile situation.
Two Meitei women fled with only the clothes on their backs when Kukis attacked their village. They feared for their lives as their small group tried to find a way toward safety. Two Kuki young men encountered them in the darkness. Thinking they would be killed the women were surprised when these young Kukis led them to safety. Even amid terrible violence, there are people who respect the humanity of the other, either rescuing “the enemy” or telling the stories about “the enemy” who saved them.
Some of our friends in the area of various ethnic groups are trying to find ways to halt the violence and work peacefully on some of the very tangled inter-ethnic grievances. We have TCTT peace warriors from all ethnic groups in Manipur as well as from the Christian and Hindu communities. Pray that these peacemakers might prevail.
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