Manipur violence tribal clash, not religious conflict: Cardinal Oswald Gracias

Manipur violence is not a religious conflict but a tribal clash, Indian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church Oswald Gracias said in a video message. In the message, the Cardinal said, "Manipur violence is not a religious clash but a tribal conflict."

In a video dated July 26, 2023, Cardinal Oswald Gracias explained the ongoing conflict in Manipur, saying it is not religious but a long-standing enmity between two ethnic groups.

Drawing a clearer picture of the roots of the enmity, he added, "This is a tribal conflict. Both tribes are very hostile to each other. They exploded into violence due to certain legislation being passed. It is given a religious twist, but it is not religious. It is between two tribes… Both temples and churches were destroyed, and heinous crimes against humanity were committed."