Pala: The Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) of the Pala Diocese has come out strongly against the arrest of two Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh, calling the action unjust, disgraceful, and deeply disturbing in a democratic society. The protest was held in response to the detention of Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethi Mary, who belong to the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Assisi congregation, and were arrested by Durg police under allegedly fabricated charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.
According to SMYM leaders, the arrests were made under pressure from extremist groups and represent a broader campaign of intolerance and persecution against Christian minorities in India. The movement asserted that the misuse of anti-conversion laws is becoming a weapon to silence and criminalize the missionary work of Christian institutions, which has long been rooted in education, healthcare, and social service.
The protest gathering organized by SMYM – KCYM Pala Diocese voiced deep concern over the violation of constitutional rights and demanded the immediate release of the nuns, the withdrawal of baseless charges, and decisive government intervention to ensure that such harassment does not recur.
The meeting was presided over by SMYM Pala Diocese President Anwin Soni Odachuvattil and inaugurated by Diocese Director Fr. Mani Kankankutty. Several leaders and members addressed the assembly, including Diocese General Secretary Robin Thannimala, Joint Director C. Naveen CMC, Vice President Bilna Sibi, and youth leaders Joseph Thomas, Benison Sunny, Jismy Shaji, and Edwin Jais.
Speakers at the protest emphasized that standing in solidarity with the persecuted is not just a Christian duty but also a call to defend the foundational values of India’s pluralistic and secular democracy.