Bethany Sr. Mable Clara D’Mello was among seven nuns from five congregations and three Camillus priests who spent two weeks in relief camps in Manipur, a northeastern Indian state where ethnic violence rages since May 3.
The nuns belonged to Franciscan Clarist Congregation, Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary And Hospitaller Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and the Bethany Congregation. They are based in the states of Karnataka and Kerala in southwest India.
The current shock lies between the majority Meitei community (which is predominantly Hindu) and the Kukis, one of the state’s tribes (mostly Christian). A tribal solidarity rally sparked the May 3 violence, when the Meiteis attacked protesters as they returned from the event.
D’Mello and others found that more than 60,000 people were living in the camps after losing their homes, land and other assets.
D’Mello, from Mangaluru, a city in the state of Karnataka, spoke with Global Sisters Report in mid-September after the team returned to their bases.
World Sisters Report: What made you want to go to Manipur?
D’Mello: I have always been passionate about challenging missions. My congregation trained me as a homeopathic physician and I was ready to serve wherever I was called. One day, while sitting in my clinic near our convent, I had an inner call to go to Manipur and serve those in the camps there. I also read the sharing of Camillus Fr. Siby Kaitharan, on a relief mission in Manipur. Then I received a call from my provincial asking if I wanted to go to Manipur with a Camillian medical mission. I was surprised and said yes.
We went to Imphal (capital of Manipur) on August 21. We had to go through two hours of security checks and various procedures at the airport before receiving two-week tour passes. Outside the airport, we were received by the priests of the archbishopric of Imphal where we spent one night. Father Roy Muthedathu (of the Missionaries of François De Sales) coordinated our visits to the relief camps.
Weren’t you afraid?
I was really scared, despite my initial enthusiasm. We had to go to a Franciscan mission in Kangpokpy, heavily guarded by the Meitei women who led the riots in Manipur. I went to the chapel and prayed to Jesus to give me courage. When I opened the Bible, I saw Joshua 1:1-9 which said: “Do not be afraid” and “Be strong and of good courage”. The verses encouraged me and kept me optimistic throughout our mission there. We were stopped by the rioters in several places. I sat at the window of our vehicle and smiled at them. They too smiled and never checked our bags. The roads were really bad and sometimes we had to get off and push the vehicle.
Tell us about your experiences in the relief camps.
We were divided into two groups and visited one camp each day. Each camp had 100 to 200 people who lived with minimal facilities – sometimes in thatched houses, schools or churches. Their food was just sticky rice and dal (lentils) and they only ate twice a day. They were unable to leave their camp because the shooting continued outside. Kuki boys guarded the camps housing women, children and the elderly. They did not know when they would return to their villages or homes. They lived in “a certain hope” that one day peace would return to their country.
I served in 10 camps. We returned to our base around midnight after taking care of everyone. People slept on the ground and most had only clothes with them. Many of the rescuers were foreigners, volunteers from the Catholic Hospitals Association of India, Caritas India, and different Christian denominations which regularly provided relief materials and food products. The camps were overcrowded and lacked cleanliness. It was heartbreaking to see small children, babies and their mothers sleeping in the same room as others. I found the Kukis, who are Christians, finding time to pray daily. I think the prayers helped them live in hope.
What did you actually do in the relief camps?
We organized health camps and sometimes conducted psychoeducation sessions or activities to improve their mental health and distributed medicines. We went to a village each morning and returned to our base in the Franciscan house around midnight. Most often, one-on-one meetings with people lasted for long hours.
What health problems did you observe in the camps?
In general, people were in good health. Although there was every chance that an epidemic would break out in the camps, this has not yet happened. Their immunity is very good and they are mentally and physically strong. We have treated a few cases of fever and flu, diabetes and blood pressure in the elderly. Some women were pregnant and several had small babies. The children were malnourished and weak. More than physical problems, they needed psychological support and trauma counseling.
One day after our return from a village, a the shooting took place near the camp, killing three young Kukis. Officially, more than 180 people have been killed in Manipur so far. But the real number could be higher.
Have you interacted with young people?
Young boys guard their villages and relief camps. We couldn’t get a chance to interact with them as they were not available. But many young people from Manipur are now scattered across the country, studying in various Christian institutions. Even in Mangaluru, at least 100 study in colleges and stay there White doves homes, a free hostel run by a lay organization.
What is their Christian faith like?
Most Christians in Manipur are Baptists. Catholics are a minority and always wear a rosary. But all Christians live in harmony and pray together, despite their denominational differences. We also joined their prayers and meals in the camps. They lived as one family and their unity and mutual understanding was truly motivating. I observed that their strong faith makes them live in hope. Most interacted freely with us as if they knew us from earlier. In general, people in Manipur respect Catholic nuns and priests and we feel safe there.
As a psychotherapist, is there anything you could do to improve their mental health?
In general, they were stronger in mental health, although we did deal with some cases of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly among women and children who witnessed violence. We haven’t seen many cases of depression or anxiety disorders. Living in camps for more than four months would have caused such problems.
What are their needs ?
Justice. They need justice, not our relief or our medicine. The Kukis have lived in Manipur for centuries but are now considered illegal migrants from Myanmar. The Indian Church should put pressure on the government to do justice to them. They have the right to live on their land in dignity, security and freedom. If I get the chance, I will speak to the Prime Minister. I know I can’t do this, but I’m ready. I think the leaders of the Church in India are really afraid. We are a minority in this country and what is happening to the Christians of Manipur could happen to us in other parts of the country. Like the Kuki Christians of Manipur, we must be ready to face such persecution and live in hope.
Have you visited villages affected by violence?
Yes, I visited the parish of Canchipur where our Bethany sisters work. The church was set on fire. Our convent survived, but everything was looted. I also visited the church burned at the Sangaiprou Pastoral Training Center in Imphal Valley, where I found in the rubble a crucifix with the broken legs and hands of Jesus. I got it repaired and installed in our chapel in Mangaluru. I think it was a miracle that the crucifix survived the fire. It strengthened my faith.
Tell us about your vocation and why you chose to be a nun in Bethany?
I had the desire to become a nun from my childhood. My main inspiration was my older sister, a nun, who was my role model in her commitment and dedication. But my parents prepared me through their life testimony to serve humanity. They were always kind to the poor and engaged in their own way in social work and evangelization. After matriculating, I joined the Bethany Sisters hostel for university studies where I felt drawn to the simple lifestyle and dedication of the nuns. Being a congregation of Mangalorean origin, I was able to easily integrate into religious life.
