Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 1: The All-Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCFHR), Western Zone has expressed deep anguish, shock and strong condemnation over the recent unlawful and unjust arrest and assault on two Catholic religious sisters in Chhattisgarh. The incident, reportedly provoked by members of a right-wing outfit, is a grave infringement of religious freedom, human dignity and in particular dignity of women.

The distressing incident happened on July 25 at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh. The sisters as well as a third person were accompanying three young women. All of them were above the age of 18 and traveling with full knowledge, will and written consent of their parents. Yet they were wrongfully confined and allegedly harassed. The more disturbing point of concern is, when the parents arrived at the station, the police unlawfully denied them access to their daughters. Moreover, adding charges under Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 1968 – which was absent in the original FIR, raises serious concerns about misuse and abuse of the legal process. The failure of law enforcement authorities in protecting the genuine citizens appears either intimidated or complicit with the right-wing groups. At the context of increasing attacks on Christians in India, the present incident alarmingly displays religious intolerance and lawlessness in the Country.

Such acts particularly against women Religious, who have committed their lives to prayer, education, and service of the humanity, are deeply distressing and unacceptable in a democratic country. The misuse of force and law under mob pressure undermines the Constitution of India, which guarantees every citizen the right to practice and propagate their religion under Article 25. This incident is not just a violation of law—it is a breach of the values of peace, unity, and respect that India is known for, from ages.

The AKUCFHR calls for the following immediate actions:

1. Immediate and unconditional release of the two detained nuns, along with a public clarification of their innocence.

2. A judicial inquiry into the incident, including the conduct of the police and those involved in the mob action.

3. Strong legal action against individuals or groups misusing anti-conversion laws to spread fear and hatred.

4. A firm assurance from the Chhattisgarh state government to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of all religious minorities.

"The AKUCFHR stands in solidarity with the victims and calls for peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity in the country. We urge all the people of goodwill and responsible citizens to condemn such acts boldly, so that they are not repeated. We hope justice and peace prevail in our country," said AKUCFHR in a press release.