Manipur is a small state in the far eastern part of India. It is one of a handful of Indian states separated from the rest of the subcontinent by the countries of Bangladesh and Nepal.

Manipur is home to 3.3 million people. More than half of the state’s population belong to an ethnic group called Meiteis, who are predominantly Hindu. Around 43% of the population are members of the Kuki and Naga ethnic groups, which are mostly Christian. The Meitei people fall into the “Dalit” category of the Indian caste system, otherwise known as the “untouchables.” The Kuki and Naga people are tribal groups, which are outside of the caste system.

As the majority group, the Meiteis have long held political, economic, and social power in the state and, according to one Christian leader in India, “Violence has always been there.” But this is the first time that churches and Christian homes have been targeted in the interethnic violence.

Indian Christian journalist David Campanale said, “Manipur is known for its large Christian population and strong church groups. This incident demonstrates how vulnerable Christians are in India.”