India’s Internet Shutdowns Top the World While Violence Against Christians in Manipur Escalates

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced sharp criticism for his inaction during the ongoing violence in Manipur, where over 250 lives have been lost, and more than 60,000 people displaced. The unrest, predominantly targeting the Christian Kuki community, has seen homes, churches, and properties destroyed, exacerbating ethnic and communal divisions under Modi’s leadership.

In May 2023 alone, over 50 deaths were reported, with another 20 occurring in a single week. Despite the gravity of the situation, Modi’s focus on photo-ops with cows has drawn condemnation for prioritizing optics over governance. The crisis persists with curfews and internet shutdowns, reflecting India’s troubling record as the world leader in internet shutdowns.

The violence stems from intercommunal clashes between the Hindu Meitei and Christian Kuki communities. On November 17-18, 2024, the discovery of decomposed Meitei bodies led to attacks on lawmakers’ homes, further destabilizing the region. The National People’s Party, an ally of Modi’s BJP, withdrew support from the state government, accusing it of failing to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, critics point to a broader pattern of violence against religious minorities across India. Over 360 churches and 7,000 homes have been destroyed in Manipur alone. In the first quarter of 2024, 160 attacks on Christians were documented, with Chhattisgarh witnessing 47 incidents.

Scholars like Christophe Jaffrelot warn that Modi’s Hindutva-driven policies are deepening communal rifts. International voices, including Sonia Joseph of the South Asia Solidarity Initiative, are calling for urgent global intervention to address the rising religious persecution and human rights violations under Modi’s regime.