Mizoram BJP Vice-President Vanramchhuanga resigned on Thursday in protest against what he called the centre's "indifference" towards the Christian community in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zomi tribals and the non-tribal Meiteis in neighbouring Manipur.
In his resignation letter addressed to the BJP chief of Mizoram Vanlalhmuaka, he stated that he was "deeply hurt" by the "massive demolition" of Christian churches in Manipur which he alleged, was being supported by the state and Central authorities. To protest against this act of "criminal injustice" to Christians and the Christian religion, he has submitted his resignation as the state vice president with immediate effect, he added.
His resignation comes at a time when Assembly polls in Manipur are slated for November this year. More than 150 people have been killed so far and several thousand injured since ethnic clashes broke out between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state on May 3.
Attacks on churches in Manipur
The Archbishop of Imphal, Dominic Lumon had earlier claimed that religious attacks were carried out against 249 churches belonging to the Meitei Christians in Manipur ever since violence broke out in the state. The churches were destroyed within 36 hours of the start of the conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities, he said.
Alleging a ‘collapse of the Constitutional Machinery’, the Archbishop questioned why imposing President's Rule in the state is still not an option, according to a report by the Indian Express.
While tendering his resignation, Vanramchhuanga also stated the centre hasn't taken any action regarding attacks on churches. “Shri Amit Shah ji, Union Home Minister visited Imphal but neither he blamed the burning of church buildings. Even the Central government have not expressed any word to condemn burning of Christian churches,” he said.
