Obstacles that Hinder Progress in Manipur

Manipur, the homeland of Meiteis and twenty-seven other people groups, is presently a state on fire. Ethnic and political conflicts have riddled the beautiful landscape for over one hundred years. In the past two decades, countless lives have been claimed by these uprisings and mob-style killings, including women and children. Since many independent, radical, underground political groups have sprung into existence since 1949, the government of India has declared the area restricted, where foreigners are generally not permitted to enter without special permission and screening. Some have likened the violence and bloodshed in Manipur to the genocide that occurred in Bosnia and Croatia during the previous decade.

With national roads leading directly to nations of the “Golden Triangle” of Southeast Asia, drug trade and abuse is widespread in Manipur. This is complicated by the rise in HIV/AIDS among drug users. With all the underground groups and drug trade, gang activity is also prevalent. Many Manipuri youth are considered highly at risk.

In addition to these obstacles, there is a religious obstacle. Christianity has flourished among the surrounding tribal people groups for over one hundred years. Thus, the Hindu Meiteis generally consider Christianity to be a religion of tribals, that is, the religion of the twenty-six "low caste" ethnic groups in Manipur. In the Hindu mindset, this would make Christianity suitable as a religion for one’s dog or chicken, but not for a person. Many accusations are made by the predominantly Hindu government against outside funding of Christian endeavors in Manipur, with the claim that these funds are actually fueling the insurgent movements. However, some of the people, even those who are not Christian, consider that biblical Christianity may potentially hold some keys to distilling the bloodshed in Manipur.

As of Spring 2001, new violence has erupted resulting in the killing of Christian pastors and people. Their houses and churches are burnt down, worship services are stopped, life threats are made, missionaries are hunted and shot, mission schools are forced to close.

In summary, we see a serious disintegration of Meitei society due to a decadal rise in violent insurgency, drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and religious prejudice. Already the state faces an acute shortage of safe drinking water, electricity supply, basic health facilities, primary education, high unemployment and low agricultural productivity.

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