Catholic Church Continues to Support Victims of Manipur Violence

Manipur, August 21, 2025: As part of its ongoing support, the Church hosted a training programme on marketing skills for young internally displaced persons (IDPs) on 20–21 August at St. Thomas Parish, Singngat. The initiative, which drew 54 participants from relief camps and local communities, was organised by the Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) in Imphal in collaboration with the Italian Bishops’ Conference.

The Catholic Church has remained a lifeline for victims of the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023, providing housing, rations, daily necessities, and livelihood training for thousands displaced by the unrest.

The clashes, which claimed over 260 lives, left 7,000 houses destroyed, 350 churches burned, and more than 60,000 people uprooted—affecting both the Hindu majority Meitei and the predominantly Christian Kuki-Zo communities.

The session opened with words of encouragement and prayer from parish priest Fr. Athanasius Mung, who reminded participants that “every day of our life and work is also part of marketing skill.”

Resource person Obed Paogoulian Singson, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Commerce, Kuki Innpi Manipur, stressed the importance of marketing as a means of survival and growth. He underlined the potential of Manipur’s rich natural resources and encouraged participants to pursue business opportunities with commitment and perseverance. Singson also outlined government schemes and small enterprise loans available to aspiring entrepreneurs.

For many participants, the programme offered vital lessons in resilience. Mrs. Catherine Suonnuam, an IDP whose home was destroyed, now lives in a house provided by the Church. She said she had learned the importance of customer relations and financial management and planned to apply these insights to build her future. Another participant, Louise Khup, emphasised the value of saving and maintaining good customer relationships in business.

The DSSS has been running a series of livelihood and empowerment programmes for IDPs, many of whom remain in relief camps, rented accommodation, or Church-provided housing. “Whatever the Church does—every training in the region—is aimed at helping people achieve a decent life,” said Thomas Paupi, relief camp in charge at St. Joseph School and Regional DSSS Manager. He urged participants to take full advantage of such initiatives.

The event concluded with words of thanks from Paupi and a group photograph to mark the occasion.

Through initiatives like these, the Catholic Church continues to bring hope and practical support to those rebuilding their lives amid the devastation of Manipur’s conflict.

By Tungthang Zou

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