Verghese V Joseph –
A group of school, college, and working young people, after being uprooted due to the rising ethnic tensions and violence in the north-eastern state of Manipur and travelling all the way to Bengaluru, have received shelter and assistance from the Archdiocese of Bangalore. These children and young people sought shelter and comfort in the archdiocese under the direction of Manipuri priest Fr. James Beipei SJ, who serves in Bengaluru.
Hearing their plight, the Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Rev Peter Machado, offered all possible support and provided extensive assistance to the displaced students. He emphasised that Bengaluru was the best place for education, and assured them that they could continue their education free of charge and stay in the Archdiocese of Bangalore’s parish and religious institutions and hostels, respectively. Archbishop Machado expressed solidarity with the displaced people affected by the disaster in Manipur and expressed the willingness of the entire Archdiocese to care for these displaced persons.
Father James, a Jesuit priest from Manipur, explained the challenges faced by Christians and others in Manipur amid renewed ethnic and communal tensions within the state of Manipur. He highlighted the horrific issues prevailing due to the current social situation in Manipur’s Christian settlement and explained his reasons for bringing the students to Bangalore.
As places of worship, institutions and homes are becoming increasingly vulnerable in Manipur, Fr. James felt the need to relocate them to Bengaluru where they could feel safe and be with relatives and friends. He welcomed the students and thanked Archbishop Machado for providing housing, education and support.
Runi, a young woman from Manipur who now works in Bangalore, spoke of the severity of the recent unrest in Manipur, saying it surpassed any civil war she had ever experienced. Since arriving in Bengaluru, she has expressed her relief and experienced a sense of security that people here have welcomed her.
Kennedy, one of the displaced students, shared his experience of raging racial and regional tensions and violence in Manipur. He recounted the violent shooting incidences during the Governor’s visit and feared the trouble his parents still face in Manipur. Kennedy thanked Archbishop Machado for his sanctuary, free education, and support, and emphasized his role as a father figure to people like him. He also thanked the archbishop’s support in securing employment.
During the discussion, Father Edward Thomas, SDB, who runs the Dream India Network in Bangalore, offered to help if needed. Bengaluru Multipurpose Society of Social Services (BMSSS) director Fr. Lourdu Xavier Santosh and Reverend Rosari SSAM have been instrumental in meeting the housing, education, and safe housing needs of these young people.
It is indeed heartening to see the Archdiocese of Bengaluru taking proactive steps to support displaced youth in Manipur and provide safe havens by providing education, housing and job assistance. The archbishop and various priests expressed solidarity with persecuted Christians and committed to meeting the needs of these Christians during their difficult situations.
Praise God for this shining example of how the Church in our country can make a difference to this complex situation.
Kudos to Fr James Beipei SJ and to Archbishop Peter Machado for the open-arm approach to accommodate the uprooted Manipuri students and working people in Bangalore. This is prayer in action and real charity without parochial view. It is also in keeping with Development Concept. I am sure people of Manipur will remember this generous hospitality for ever.