Thousands of families have become homeless as a result of the violence in Assam, and must now move to refugee camps with what little possessions they have.

While the level of violence in Assam has subsided in recent days, Gospel for Asia leaders in the northeastern Indian state are praying that the continued skirmishes will not lead to all-out war.

“The situation is much better than before because of all the prayers of the Lord’s people,” said Pastor Benjamin* of the Gospel for a local church. “We still hear reports daily of a village being burned or raided, or of a few people being attacked here and there.”

In the meantime, Gospel for Asia missionaries continue to minister in the refugee camps that have been set up to house those displaced by the attacks.

Fighting continues between the militant underground groups of the warring Dimasa and Karbi tribes. Each side threatens the other, insisting that members of the opposite tribe leave their areas or the bloodshed will worsen.

Gospel for Asia’s ministry among the refugees includes distribution of fresh vegetables and other food staples at vaious refugee camps as well as sharing the Gospel.

Recently, four Dimasa tribesmen entered a train and started beating two Karbis. They would have killed them had it not been for the timely intervention of a few Bengalis.

“This kind of thing has been happening on the trains,” Pastor Benjamin said, “but otherwise things look stable. Many are still in the refugee camps, while others have fled to new areas in hopes of beginning a new life. The Central Reserve Police Force is helping to keep things in check, but the government has promised to bring in paramilitary troops if the situation gets out of hand.”

The pastor asks for prayer that the small skirmishes will not cause the already angry and embittered tribesmen to break out into vengeful attacks.


The conflicts in Assam have affected Christians as well. This burned out home belonged to a Christian family.

“Please pray that this might not happen,” he said. “There has been enough suffering already.”

* Name changed for security reasons