US Evangelist Faces Criticism Over Distribution of Drones and Bulletproof Vests in Manipur

New Delhi: Daniel Stephen Courney, a 40-year-old US evangelist, has provoked controversy following the release of a video where he is seen distributing drones and bulletproof vests to Kuki militants in the violence-affected state of Manipur. The footage, shared on his YouTube channel “Fool for Christ,” shows Courney providing military-grade equipment—items such as boots, socks, and bulletproof vests, as well as a drone purportedly used to monitor the movements of Meitei Hindus.While his actions are not overtly illegal, they have sparked concerns about his potential role in exacerbating ethnic tensions in the region. Courney, who has lived in India since 2009, claims to be focused on relief work for Kuki civilians, but critics argue that his involvement with militant groups could be seen as interference in India’s internal matters. His past as a former US Army medic and his outspoken views have led some to speculate about possible links to the US “deep state.”Known for his aggressive evangelism, Courney has faced backlash for his confrontational street preaching in various Indian states and internationally, including in Israel and the US. His YouTube channel promotes his missionary activities, including raising funds for conversions, hospitals, and orphanages in what he refers to as India’s “dark” and “least evangelised” areas.Courney’s controversial mission also extends to his family life. Married to an Indian woman with six children, some of whom accompany him on his travels to volatile regions like Manipur and Chhattisgarh, his personal and professional life has drawn significant scrutiny.This is not the first time Courney has faced legal challenges; he was arrested in 2021 for violating a restraining order after an incident at an abortion clinic in New Jersey. His continued presence in sensitive areas of India has raised serious questions about the broader impact of his actions on the region’s stability.