There has been a major outbreak of persecution against Christians in the state of Manipur located in Northeastern India, the Christian Post reports.

The attacks, which started on May 3, 2023, were directed against largely Christian tribes located in the hill areas of Churachandpur.

The persecution that was sparked by Hindu nationalists, the Arambai Tengoll also called the black shirts and Meitei Leepun, resulted in the deaths of over 60 Indian Christians and destruction or damage to 400 churches largely by fire. Approximately 1,700 Christian homes were targeted as well.

The increased violence has resulted in over 50,000 people, 35,000 of which are Christians, fleeing their homes.

There were reports that police actually participated in the attacks on the Christian groups or in other instances stood by and did nothing.

Concerns are growing about further escalation as large caches of weapons and ammunition has also been recovered. It now appears that the Christian tribes may be arming themselves as well.

READ: India’s Manipur remains tense weeks after 400 churches were burned, 60 Christians killed