Mananthavady: The Public Affairs Committee of the Diocese of Mananthavady has issued a strong condemnation over the arrest of two Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh, terming the incident “deeply protestable and a gross injustice.” The arrest of Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preeti Mary by Durg Police on July 25, following a complaint filed by Bajrang Dal activists, was based on what the Committee described as baseless accusations of religious conversion and human trafficking.
The Committee expressed serious concern over the growing pattern of hostility against Christians across India and warned that the misuse of anti-conversion laws by radical elements is becoming a direct threat to the constitutional and religious freedoms of minority communities.
“This is not just a legal issue but a human rights concern,” the Committee stated, urging all parishes, church organizations, and faithful to express their opposition in a peaceful but assertive manner. “Silence in the face of such targeting will only embolden hate-driven agendas. A Christian response marked by truth and solidarity is essential.”
The Public Affairs Committee also emphasized the need for vigilance and unity, calling the wider Christian community to prayerful protest and legal support for the wrongfully accused sisters.