Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi
Udupi, Aug 2: Condemning the false accusations and subsequent arrest of Christian nuns in Chhattisgarh, the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, in collaboration with other supporting organizations, has organized a massive protest on Monday, August 4, at the Ajjarkad Martyrs’ Memorial, Udupi.
The protest is in response to the arrest of two Kerala-origin Christian nuns Sr Vandana Francis from Thalassery and Sr Preethi Mary from Angamaly, both members of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Assisi. They were arrested based on false allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion made by some organizations.
The arrested nuns had taken women to convents in Agra for domestic work after obtaining consent letters from their parents. The women themselves have testified to this. However, according to media reports, Church representatives have not been allowed to meet the detained nuns, and the young women involved are allegedly being pressured to change their statements. It is claimed they are being forced to say they were taken against their will, although no coercion or conversion occurred.
In recent years, there has been a surge in attacks against the Christian community across the country. False accusations against Christian educational and service institutions by various groups have become common. The central government must intervene immediately and provide necessary protection to the minority community. The treatment of nuns, who have dedicated their lives to the fields of education, healthcare, and social service for decades, is unacceptable in a civilized society.
The Catholic Sabha has demanded that the Chhattisgarh state government and the central government immediately intervene and release the detained nuns and the three young women without delay. Legal action must be taken against those who filed false and hate driven complaints, and strict moral and legal accountability must be ensured for the police officers who failed to act impartially.
All Christians of the Udupi diocese will unite and participate in this protest. Various organizations, including the Catholic Women’s Organization and ICYM, have extended their support. A memorandum addressed to the honourable president, Prime Minister, and Chhattisgarh government will be submitted through the Deputy Commissioner on the day of the protest, along with signatures collected from Christian faithful as part of an ongoing signature campaign.
The Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh stated that this peaceful protest will be supported by all peace-loving and like-minded individuals who stand in solidarity with the pain and suffering of the Christian community.