Catholic Church Inaugurates 20 Houses for Catholics in Violence-Hit Manipur

Imphal, July 30, 2025: In a significant step towards healing and rehabilitation, the Catholic Church inaugurated 20 newly constructed houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) on 26 July at St. Thomas Parish, Singngat, Manipur. These homes have been provided to families who were forced to flee due to the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities that broke out in May 2023, particularly affecting residents of Sugnu and Singtom villages.

The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Pu Chinlunthang, Member of the State Legislative Assembly, while the blessing and dedication of the homes were led by Fr. Samy, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Tuibuang.

In his welcome address, Fr. Athanasius Mung, Parish Priest of St. Thomas Parish, shared that a rainbow appeared just before the event—a powerful symbol of hope, renewal, and divine assurance following the storm.

Fr. Samy expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and acknowledged the invaluable support of local leadership, particularly the chief of Singngat, Pu Haukholien, who generously donated the land for the project.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, Catholic organisations across Manipur—working in close collaboration with the Archdiocese of Imphal and religious congregations from across India—have mobilised resources to provide permanent housing to displaced Catholic families. This project represents a united mission rooted in compassion, solidarity, and dignity.

Speaking at the event, Pu Chinlunthang praised the Catholic Church for its timely and effective humanitarian response. He encouraged the local community to look ahead with hope and emphasised the area's potential for growth through education and development.

The land for this particular housing project was donated by Pu Haukholien. His eldest son, Pu Khupbawi, called on the community to remain united in both joy and sorrow and proposed naming the new area "Pi Ngaikhoman Locality" in memory of his late mother. A small memorial stone was also erected at the site in her honour.

In support of the broader housing initiative, the Conference of Diocesan Priests of India (CDPI) launched the “Minimum of Rs. 500 to Manipur” challenge, calling on every priest in the country to contribute. The aim is to construct 600 houses for Catholic IDPs affected by the Manipur violence.

Currently, it is estimated that more than three-quarters of those displaced remain within Manipur, while nearly one-fifth have sought refuge in neighbouring Mizoram and other parts of India. Many have resettled in the Lamka area, which is predominantly inhabited by the Christian Kuki-Zou community.

The impact on Catholic families has been devastating. In St. Joseph Parish, Sugnu, alone, around 1,200 homes were destroyed, along with properties and institutions located on the outskirts of Imphal. Families lost everything—homes, vehicles, livelihoods, and schools.

The Catholic Church’s steadfast commitment to rebuilding lives continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those still reeling from the trauma and destruction caused by the 2023 ethnic violence.

By Tungthang Zou

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