Why are hundreds of churches being destroyed in Manipur, India?

2023-05-04T181742Z_146300564_RC2IR0AYI1IT_RTRMADP_3_INDIA-VIOLENCE

At least 64 Christians have been killed, thousands displaced and entire villages razed to the ground in Manipur. While reports from the region vary, Ben Cohen from Open Doors says the extent of the violence has dramatically increased in recent weeks. He unpacks the factors driving it 

The violence in the Indian state of Manipur has made international headlines.

Ethnic and religious violence in India is commonplace, but the extent of what has happened in recent weeks is on another level.

Rioting mobs have killed at least 64 Christians, and injured hundreds more. The mobs have desecrated, vandalised, and burned down more than 230 churches. Thousands of Christians belonging to the Kuki-Zomi tribal people are now homeless after having been forcefully displaced from their homes.