Hyderabad: More than 400 people from various churches in Hyderabad gathered at the Ambedkar statue under the flyover near Tank Bund to condemn the government's indifference towards the escalating violence in Manipur. Organised by the Telangana United Christians and Pastors Association (TUCPA) and Twin Cities Pastors Fellowship, Christians and clergy from independent churches braved the rain to urge the government to take decisive action against the violence, particularly targeting tribal women in Manipur.
Emotional appeals came from a few women from Manipur, currently residing in Hyderabad, as they sought support from the churches in their quest for justice for their sisters and brothers back home. “We shudder at the very thought of returning home. Our state has contributed to the country just as any other has. From freedom fighters to the economy. However, we've been given step motherly treatment at every juncture. As if dealing with racial slurs on a daily basis wasn't enough, we feel like we're fighting this battle alone. It brings us great hope in the people and the system knowing we have you all now," one of the women said.
Goneh Solomon Raj, the general secretary of TUCPA, highlighted the brutal killings, displacement of families, and the burning of around churches in Manipur. He questioned the inaction of the government and demanded the President's intervention to bring the culprits to justice swiftly, to deter violence in the future. He criticised a minister for downplaying sexual violence in conflict and called for accountability for leaders who fail to acknowledge their shortcomings.
Another protester pointed out that the Prime Minister's focus solely on violence against women diminishes the seriousness of the issue, emphasising that it extends beyond gender, impacting entire tribes and ethnic groups who suffer at the hands of oppressors.
During the gathering, Christian leaders, including TUCPA president Bishop K. Timothy, BRS leaders Benoni Richard and Rajarpu Prathap, and Rev. T. Kumar, addressed the attendees and offered prayers for people of Manipur.
