In a press release, KOHUR claimed that more than 350 churches have been razed, burned, or vandalised, alongside widespread violence that displaced over 60,000 people and left thousands of homes destroyed.
BY PC Bureau
December 29, 2025: The Kuki Organization for Human Rights Trust (KOHR) has strongly condemned what it described as the “systematic destruction” of churches in Manipur and a series of attacks on Christian communities across several Indian states, calling the situation a grave threat to religious freedom and constitutional rights.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, KOHR said that since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, more than 350 churches and Christian institutions—largely belonging to the Kuki-Zo tribal communities—have been razed, burned, or vandalised. The organisation alleged that the targeting of religious sites was deliberate and aimed at erasing the spiritual and cultural identity of a religious minority.
According to KOHR, the violence in Manipur has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, the destruction of over 4,000 homes, and the displacement of more than 60,000 residents. It added that many congregations remain displaced, pastors continue to face threats, and reconstruction efforts have been obstructed, forcing several families to observe religious occasions away from their homes and places of worship.
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The organisation also pointed to what it described as a nationwide resurgence of intolerance during the 2025 Christmas season. KOHR claimed to have documented incidents across multiple states, including Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Assam, and Rajasthan. These incidents allegedly involved vandalism of Christmas decorations in public spaces, assaults on carol singers and worshippers—including children and persons with disabilities—harassment of vendors, and mobs storming celebration venues.
Expressing concern over what it termed a “climate of impunity,” KOHR alleged that perpetrators of both the Manipur violence and recent Christmas-related attacks faced little fear of legal consequences. The organisation warned that this lack of accountability undermines India’s secular foundations and denies justice to victims.
KOHR urged the Government of India and state authorities to order immediate and impartial judicial investigations into the destruction of churches in Manipur and the reported Christmas-season attacks, ensure swift prosecution under laws protecting religious freedom, and implement strong measures to safeguard Christian communities during religious observances. It also called for a comprehensive plan to restore destroyed religious sites, provide compensation to displaced families, and reaffirm the constitutional right of all citizens to practise their faith without fear.
