New Delhi: Jose K. Mani, Member of Parliament and Kerala Congress (M) leader, has issued an urgent plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate intervention in the arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh. The letter, addressed directly to the Prime Minister, expresses grave concern over what he describes as false allegations and targeted harassment.
The nuns Sister Vandana Francis of Thalassery parish and Sister Preethi Mary of Elavoor parish in Angamaly belong to the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI) congregation under the Syro-Malabar Church. They were detained at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh, after being stopped by a group of individuals who accused them of forced religious conversion and human trafficking.
According to Jose K. Mani, the charges are baseless and appear to be the result of communal targeting rather than any factual basis. The letter underscores that the two nuns were engaged in humanitarian service and not involved in any illegal activities.
“This incident has deeply hurt the Christian community in Kerala and elsewhere in the country,” the MP wrote, highlighting growing concerns over increasing hostilities and violence against Christians. He stressed that false accusations without proper verification are leading to fear and alienation among minority communities.
Mani urged the Prime Minister to ensure the nuns receive immediate legal assistance, fair treatment under law, and are released at the earliest. He emphasized the need to prevent such incidents from recurring and called for greater sensitivity and protection for individuals involved in faith-based service.
This plea comes amid rising tension in several Indian states where Christian missionaries, clergy, and nuns have increasingly come under scrutiny and hostility, often on accusations related to conversion, many of which are later dismissed by courts for lack of evidence.
The Christian community in Kerala and across India awaits a swift response from the central government, hoping for justice, accountability, and assurance of religious freedom and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution.