Raipur: A wave of protests is sweeping across the country in the wake of the controversial arrest of two Malayali Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh. The arrest, made under charges of religious conversion and human trafficking, has sparked widespread outrage from civil society, religious groups, and human rights defenders, who have condemned the move as a grave violation of religious freedom and human dignity.
In response to the growing unrest, a national petition campaign has been launched through Change.org, demanding the immediate release of the imprisoned nuns and a transparent investigation into the incident. With over 60,000 signatures already gathered, the petition is rapidly gaining momentum, drawing support from people across various faiths and communities. The petition link also invites concerned citizens to raise their voice by directly addressing the government.
The petition strongly urges the Indian government to uphold the spirit of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, and to take firm action against those exploiting laws to stoke communal tensions. It also calls for scrutiny and possible reform of legislations such as the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, which critics argue is increasingly being weaponized to falsely implicate members of religious minority groups, particularly Christians.
“It is deeply disturbing that women religious, dedicated to education and social service, are being portrayed as criminals without any credible evidence,” the petition states. “This not only damages their reputation but also sends a chilling message to all who work for the upliftment of marginalized communities.”
From Kerala to Delhi, Mumbai to Ranchi, protest rallies, candlelight vigils, and prayer gatherings are being held to express solidarity with the arrested nuns and demand justice. Organizations such as the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), various youth movements, and human rights groups have voiced concern over what they describe as the increasing criminalization of Christian missionaries and clergy under politically motivated allegations.
“This is not just a Christian issue; it is a human rights issue. It concerns the right of every Indian to practice and propagate their faith without fear,” said a protestor in Bengaluru holding a placard that read “Faith is not a crime.”
The Change.org campaign has become a rallying point for this national sentiment, encouraging people from all walks of life to participate in digital activism. With a few clicks, anyone can express dissent and contribute to the growing demand for judicial fairness, institutional accountability, and religious harmony.
Activists say that the fight for the release of the nuns is also symbolic of a broader resistance against targeted harassment of minorities. They emphasize that unity, dialogue, and democratic engagement are the only ways to combat the rising tide of intolerance.
“All Indians who value justice, peace, and the secular fabric of our nation must come together. This petition is not just a document it is a call for conscience,” the campaign organizers stated.
As the pressure builds, eyes now turn to the authorities in Chhattisgarh and New Delhi to act in a manner that respects India’s pluralistic ethos and restores the public’s faith in the legal system.