In a humanitarian effort to support the hundreds of Manipur individuals who have been displaced in northeast India, the Presbyterian Church of Wales (PCW) has launched a financial appeal.
The displacement is the results of the persecution and violence which occurred in Manipur in May 2023. The violent upheaval led to the death and destruction of lots of of individuals and churches and houses, in addition to the displacement of tens of hundreds more, many now living in refugee camps across India and neighbouring countries.
Rev Nan Powell Davies, General Secretary of the PCW, together with Rev Rebecca Lalbiaksangi, a Mizo minister of the East Montgomeryshire Pastorate, recently paid a visit to the refugee camp within the Mizoram hills, where 40 families from Manipur are currently searching for shelter.
Rev Powell explained that when Thomas Jones arrived in northeast India within the 1840s, he not only preached the gospel but additionally made a solemn commitment to the people, dedicating himself and his denomination to fostering an enduring relationship with them. He established a covenant that endures to today, particularly in times of hardship.
The tribal communities that faced attacks from the Metei people group in 2023 are direct descendants of the tribes that Welsh Calvinistic Methodist missionaries collaborated with within the nineteenth century.
She remarked, “They are a part of us and we’re a part of them. I met peace loving families who’ve lost every little thing and experienced unbelievable pain and yet find hope in one another and in God.”
Among the survivors from the Mizoram camp are Kimteii and Robert (names modified for security reasons) from the Mizoram camp, who shared their harrowing experiences of survival, loss, and uncertainty.
Kimteii said: “We needed to flee when the fires began and we bumped into the jungle, with our five yr old son, my husband, parents in law and brother in law. My son is traumatised by what he saw and the phobia of running away. We have lost every little thing, now we have nothing now.
“Back in Manipur, we had a farm and a business, but that has all gone and we depend on the generosity of the Mizo people.
“We are exhausted and do not know what the long run holds for us. My son is terrified by the thought that we’d return to Manipur. He has terrible nightmares in regards to the burning and violence he witnessed – but we must return when we will. It is our home.”
Robert also shared his harrowing experience: “My house and business have gone, burnt to the bottom. I had spent all my savings on constructing and establishing a kindergarten. I used to be so pleased with my business and my work with families. And now it’s all gone.
“Not only me that is true of many others. I had neighbours who had worked within the Army and spent their pension on constructing their very own homes. These houses are also burnt down. I long to go home, all of us do, but it surely is just not possible. Everything has gone.
“There are not any medical or school facilities. It has all been burnt down. When the Metei people attacked us, they set fire to every little thing and we ran for our lives. We ran down the valley, me, my wife and kids. I looked back and all I could see was a sky that gave the impression to be on fire.”
Accordingly, Rev Powell is appealing for donations: “During 2025, we’re asking individuals and churches to present generously, to assist our brothers and sisters return home and rebuild their houses and businesses.”
For those that want to contribute, donations might be made through https://www.ebcpcw.cymru/en/manipurappeal/
