MCCT provides breather to Meitei Christian converts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 04, 2012: With the full activation of a charitable trust, Meitei Christian converts of the state, who have been facing persecution and atrocities from non-Christian locals in the valley areas, have got a breather and a platform to defend their religious rights.

The converts, whose population has jumped to around 30,000, have been facing various atrocities, ranging from destruction of churches to denial of burial rights by the non-Christian locals.

"Unlike other states and countries, there have been no cases of violent attacks on us in our peaceful state.

The degree of hostility towards us has decreased since the trust became fully functional," said Rev Ningombam Nipamacha, a Meitei Christian convert.

Nipamacha (64) is the force behind the welfare schemes taken up for the community through the self-explanatory Meitei Christian Charitable Trust.

He is the president of the trust.

"Though the trust was formed way back in 2004, it was fully activated in 2009.One of the significant steps we have taken up recently is the payment of Rs 5,000 to families for every death among the members of the trust," he said.

"We also stand united to reason with non-Christian locals on issues relating to denial of burial rights and holding religious services in the locality," Nipamacha said.

Before activation and formation of the trust, Meitei Christians faced atrocities to the extent of bodies being exhumed from burial grounds and dumped in the middle of the road and destruction of church buildings.

"Now burials have been allowed in certain parts of the valley areas.

This reflects the fact that the majority non-Christians respect our religion as well," said Nipamacha.

Echoing Nipamacha, another Meitei Christian convert, Rev K Rajmohon, who is also the secretary of AMCO, said, "The trust has comforted the minds of the people of our community".

Meanwhile an American missionary, Steven Lee, has played a key role in the development of the Christian community.

"My mission is to bring the word of God to these people and help the orphans and widows in Manipur.

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