Escalating Tensions in Manipur: Meitei Militants Desecrate Church, Spark Gunfire with Police

Published: Thu, 03/07/24

Escalating Tensions in Manipur: Meitei Militants Desecrate Church, Spark Gunfire with Police Families Seek Justice for Rape Survivors

Dear all,

As I compose this letter, I'm saddened to report further devastating attacks on Kuki Christians in the region of Manipur, India. These heinous acts include beatings, arson, gun violence, and even loss of life or cases of sexual assault. Despite these alarming events, the Indian Government continues to overlook their plight, while the police and armed forces appear either biased, constantly under threat from militants, or simply indifferent to the suffering of the victims. Adding to the distress, our donors have shown reluctance to support our efforts in India since the initial global media attention. In response, we have initiated a crowdfunding campaign to allow people to track the amount raised to assist over 60,000 internally displaced Christians. Learn more (here). Donate towards our crowdfund (here).

In what promises to be a somber newsletter, we find ourselves compelled to share yet more distressing news. In Pakistan, a father's desperate plea for help in locating his missing daughter underscores the alarming increase in abductions of Christian girls (click here). Additionally, we mourn the loss of a Christian employee who was tragically killed by his employer, with the motive behind the crime still shrouded in mystery (click here). Meanwhile, the plight of Nabeel Masih, a victim of blasphemy laws who was only 16 when arrested and now faces the looming threat of reimprisonment, continues to haunt us (click here). His fear is palpable and heart-wrenching.

In times as dire as these, it is faith that sustains Christians. Despite enduring unimaginable trials, they cling to God for strength and solace. Consider the case of Fanson, who was arrested and coerced into making a confession for blasphemy following a brutal police interrogation. This came after a message was posted on Facebook from a phone that had been stolen two years prior. (click here). As our brothers and sisters face such relentless adversity, we humbly request your prayers and support for all these beleaguered Christians.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Throughout January and February, we were able to raise just over £3000 from our appeals. While this support is deeply appreciated, it has posed significant challenges in carrying out our regular work. As we strive to maintain financial stability, we appeal to to you to help if you can.

Regrettably, due to the limited funds raised last month, we were unable to provide support to several victims, particularly the Pakistani Christians we assist in Thailand. Their urgent needs remain unmet, and we earnestly seek additional donations to extend our aid to them. To learn more about their situation, please read here.

Your contributions play a vital role in our ability to provide assistance to those in need, and we are immensely grateful for every bit of support we get. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these vulnerable communities.

I also want to bring to your attention a more personal appeal. While many of you are aware of the National RAAC roofing crisis, few may know that I have been directly affected along with 150 other Ex-council homeowners in Torry, Aberdeen. The story is a lengthy one, and I feel compelled to share it with you here.

Fortunately, I am in the fortunate position where my father is covering the costs of an inspection for my home. However, countless families in Torry, Aberdeen, which is among some of the areas with the highest levels of deprivation, have been left grappling with crippling expenses, cancelled insurance and the threat of becoming homeless and wracked with debt because of their now zero equity homes.

I urge you all to please sign my petition (here) and consider contributing to a crowdfunding initiative that I have initiated (here). While I will not directly benefit from this fund, but many of the most vulnerable homeowners, burdened with overwhelming costs, may find some relief through it. Your support could make a significant difference in their lives.

Please read this news story (click here) and BBC News feature:

Chowdhry & Winstanley: Opposing Aberdeen Council's Decision on Ex-Council Flat Homeowners' Support

Reviewing all the projects mentioned above, it's evident that fulfilling these appeals requires a substantial amount of funding. We are hopeful that many of you will join us in reaching these goals and that you'll share details of the appeals that resonate with you with others. Together, we can initiate a program of tangible change in 2024. Your support and collaboration can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.

Blessings to you all.

Hannah Chowdhry

If you are a regular reader and want to support our work, you can find a range of options for giving donations (here). If you are already giving donations and reside in the UK you may want to switch from Paypal or Stripe payments and pay directly into the charity bank account as we will receive more of your donation. Our bank details are in the same link above.

For donors in the US, we have recently established a partnership with a US charity who act as a conduit allowing US Citizens to have tax relief on their donations. If you wish to receive details on how to donate to us through them, please feel free to request details via email at admin@britishasianchristians.org.

We upload videos for all our stories on YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and you can join any of our groups for free. But in most cases it is easier to read our news in real-time blog via our 'Current News' page in the header of our website.

For those who prefer to await our newsletter, we have conveniently compiled all our recent news chronologically below. This comprehensive list encompasses all the updates that were not featured in our prior newsletter.

In case any of the provided links encounter issues, you can access all our international news articles by clicking on the designated box below. This will lead you to our website, where you can navigate to the 'Current News' section and select 'BACA News.' Furthermore, you can find additional updates under 'Current News' followed by 'Community Projects' for an overview of all our projects within the UK.

Your continued interest and engagement with our work are greatly appreciated. You can review our previous newsletter (here). If any appeals resonate with you, we invite you to consider making a donation. Your contributions enable us to expand our efforts and make a meaningful impact.

READ MORE ON OUR WEBSITE CLICK HERE

Escalating Tensions in Manipur: Meitei Militants Desecrate Church, Spark Gunfire with Police

Tensions Persist in Manipur, India, as Meitei Militants Cross Buffer Zones to Target Christian Kuki-Zo Community.

In January, a church was ruthlessly bulldozed to the ground after Hindu militants assaulted Christian men and women. The militants arrived with JCBs to demolish the church building.

In February, the Christian community endured gunfire as Meitei Hindu extremists clashed with police during a raid that uncovered stolen weapons, pilfered from a police arsenal.

Yesterday, the CBI charged 7 men involved in the riots and arms seizure.

Pastor Chongloi, who lost his home, car, and all possessions during the tribal conflict, appeals for more support as over 60,000 Christians remain internally displaced, struggling in refugee camps.

Injustice Unveiled: The Ordeal of Nabeel Masih – From Youthful Imprisonment to the Looming Threat of Reimprisonment in Pakistan

Fear looms over Nabeel Masih, who was the youngest prisoner of blasphemy in Pakistan ever, as he faces the looming threat of punishment and re-arrest.

Despite the clear denial by the Home Department to grant permission to prosecute the case, the court has exceeded its procedural powers by unlawfully deleting a section framed in the charge sheet.

Terrified of being re-arrested, Nabeel Masih implores for prayers and for a global voice to advocate on his behalf.

In response to this injustice, BACA’s Solicitor Naseeb Anjum has filed a writ petition at the Lahore High Court against the order of the trial court.

Desperate Search: A Father’s Plea for his Missing Daughter after another Christian child mysteriously disappears in Pakistan

A 13-year-old Christian girl has gone missing in Basra Colony, Muridke. The child had gone out in the morning to buy milk from a local shop but failed to return home. Concerned for their daughter’s safety, her distraught parents promptly sought assistance from the police, yet their efforts yielded no leads on her whereabouts.

In their time of distress, the family received a visit from British Asian Christian Association (BACA), who found them traumatized and in a state of despair. Our officers have pledged to provide support and assist them in locating their missing daughter. We hope to coordinate a missing persons poster/leaflet campaign with a reward for any information that leads to the recovery of the missing child

Standing Strong: Supporting Aberdeen Homeowners After the Evacuation of 299 Homes Due to Safety Concerns

A housing crisis in Aberdeen, especially in Torry, has escalated to a critical stage, with 299 council homes being evacuated due to the presence of hazardous RAAC concrete in their roofs (click here). However, Aberdeen City Council has declined to assist homeowners who purchased these council houses without being informed of the substandard material used in their roofs. They are currently confronting exorbitant expenses or the peril of their roofs collapsing overhead.

Please sign our petition (click here)

Homeowners hold Aberdeen Council accountable for this situation, asserting that the council sold homes to unsuspecting residents without disclosing the latent defect or addressing the need for roof renovations after the known 30-year lifespan of the RAAC panels had expired

Senseless Betrayal in the Workplace: The Murder of Christian by Muslim Employer

A tragic incident unfolded as a 38-year-old Christian man, was discovered deceased in a water pond outside Nasrat Colony Joyawala, Sheikhupura, on February 23rd, 2024.

The murderer slit the throat of the Christian man and threw his dead body into a water pond.

The postmortem report unveiled that Mr. Masih had fallen victim to a brutal murder, his throat slit with a sharp weapon approximately a month prior.

Authorities are diligently investigating the perpetrator the man’s employer to uncover the motive behind this heinous crime.

Justice Denied: Fanson Shahid, Pakistani Christian, Forced into False Confession and family in Exile

A Pakistani court in Gujranwala has convicted Fanson Shahid (56 yrs) for making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad on a Facebook post shared by a man named Suleman Masih.

Alongside this verdict, the court has imposed a sentence of life imprisonment.

What did you think of this email?

Or tell us in your own words!

Help for Persecuted Christians
PO Box 6945 London W1A 6US
UNITED KINGDOM

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options