New Delhi: The Catholic Congress has expressed deep concern over what it describes as a troubling pattern of communal policing, political interference, and misapplication of law in the case of the arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh. The organization noted that the arrest, carried out under charges of human trafficking and religious conversion, raises serious questions about the misuse of government machinery and the increasing vulnerability of religious minorities.
According to the Catholic Congress, the attempt to portray missionary nuns who offer selfless service in areas often neglected by the state as human traffickers is not only unjust but deeply misleading. The organization emphasized that such accusations appear to be driven more by political motives than legal reasoning, warning that criminalizing humanitarian service amounts to a distortion of justice. The situation becomes all the more disturbing, they said, when courts are forced to consider trafficking charges where no such crime exists, especially in light of a previous ruling by a Kerala court clarifying that transporting people for employment or education does not constitute human trafficking.
The Catholic Congress further pointed out that the denial of bail to the nuns and their continued imprisonment without clear evidence reflects a growing tendency to use legal provisions selectively. They criticized the emerging legal culture in which the request for bail is met with resistance when the individuals involved belong to minority communities or faith-based missions. “To keep innocent individuals behind bars while citing procedural reforms without ensuring justice is to weaken the very foundation of a fair judicial process,” the statement read.
The organization also raised concerns over the political climate that enables extremist groups like the Bajrang Dal to act with impunity, noting that police inaction and selective enforcement appear to be part of a larger, politically influenced narrative. In many parts of the country, the Congress noted, the Freedom of Religion laws are being misused to curtail fundamental rights, suppress Christian activities, and promote a climate of suspicion and hostility. “It is troubling to see that the constitutional right to practice one’s faith is being undermined under the pretext of maintaining public order,” they stated.
The Catholic Congress called for greater responsibility from both state and central governments, urging them to intervene in the matter to ensure bail and fair treatment for the arrested nuns. The statement stressed that governments have a constitutional obligation to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, and failure to control extremist groups or misuse of the law should be viewed as a breach of that obligation.
Furthermore, the organization urged legislative assemblies to revisit and reform laws that are currently being used to justify the continued detention of innocent people. Legal provisions that result in widespread injustice must be carefully examined and amended if necessary, it said. The Catholic Congress also cautioned all political parties against using the sisters’ arrest as a platform for political gain, stating that the issue transcends partisan politics and must be addressed through a commitment to justice and democratic values.
The statement concluded with a call for judicial intervention, legislative reform, and immediate action to uphold the Constitution and the rights of all citizens. According to the Catholic Congress, the present moment demands courage and clarity a willingness to confront the misuse of power and to protect those who dedicate their lives to service. “The sisters’ struggle for justice will continue, and it is the duty of every institution judicial, political, and civil to ensure that justice is not delayed or denied,” the statement affirmed.
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In a heartfelt gesture of support, representatives of the Catholic Congress visited the family home of Sister Preethi, who remains under questionable police custody in Chhattisgarh. The visit was an expression of solidarity and reassurance, reflecting the organization's unwavering stand with those facing injustice and religious persecution.
Catholic Congress Pala Diocese Leads Protest and Sit-in in Durg Against Unlawful Arrest of Two Nuns
Raising their voice against the unjust detention of two nuns, the Catholic Congress from the Pala Diocese organized a spirited demonstration and dharna in Durg, Chhattisgarh. The protest aimed to denounce the unfounded accusations and misuse of legal provisions, calling for immediate justice and the release of the wrongfully arrested sisters.
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Chhattisgarh Crackdown on Nuns a Breach of Fundamental and Human Rights: Catholic Congress Stages Protest in Marathakkara
Condemning the blatant violation of fundamental and human rights in the unjust treatment of two nuns in Chhattisgarh, the Catholic Congress organized a protest gathering in Marathakkara. The demonstrators decried the misuse of power and legal overreach, calling it a serious affront to the Constitution and a moral failure in safeguarding religious freedom. The protest served as a bold assertion of solidarity with the persecuted and a demand for immediate justice.
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The Catholic Congress held a protest in Champakulam condemning the gross infringement of fundamental rights and human dignity in the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh. Labeling the incident as a clear violation of human rights, the protestors voiced their deep concern over the growing misuse of legal systems to target religious minorities. The gathering called for immediate redressal and accountability from authorities, demanding justice for the wrongfully detained sisters.
Alappuzha Rises in Protest: Catholic Congress Condemns Human Rights Violations Against Nuns in Chhattisgarh
In response to the denial of fundamental rights and blatant human rights violations against two nuns in Chhattisgarh, the Catholic Congress organized a strong protest in Alappuzha. The protestors voiced deep concern over the targeted persecution of religious figures, denouncing the misuse of legal provisions to suppress minority communities. The gathering demanded immediate action to restore justice and uphold constitutional protections for the wrongfully detained sisters.
Irinjalakuda Protest Echoes Nationwide Anger: Catholic Congress Denounces Rights Violations Against Nuns in Chhattisgarh
The Catholic Congress in Irinjalakuda staged a protest condemning the blatant denial of fundamental rights and human dignity in the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh. Terming the incident a grave miscarriage of justice, protestors accused authorities of using the law as a tool for religious discrimination. The protest demanded an immediate end to the harassment of Christian missionaries and called for the protection of constitutional values and human rights across the country.
Palakkad Protest Erupts Against Chhattisgarh Atrocity: Catholic Congress Decries Fundamental and Human Rights Breach on Nuns
In a forceful demonstration held in Palakkad, the Catholic Congress raised its voice against the serious infringement of fundamental rights and human dignity in the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh. The protestors accused the authorities of misusing power and suppressing religious freedom, calling the incident a clear violation of the Constitution and international human rights standards. The gathering demanded swift justice for the nuns and urged immediate action to curb the rising wave of religious intolerance.
Kottayam Witnesses Uproar: Changanassery Archdiocese of Catholic Congress Protests Rights Violations Against Nuns in Chhattisgarh
The Changanassery Archdiocese unit of the Catholic Congress organized a protest in Kottayam, strongly condemning the serious breach of fundamental and human rights in the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh. The demonstrators decried the incident as an alarming example of state-backed suppression of religious freedom, asserting that targeting nuns under false charges undermines the core values of the Indian Constitution. The protest called for urgent corrective measures and justice for the persecuted sisters, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic and human rights across the nation.
Kanjirappally Joins Rising Resistance: Catholic Congress Condemns Chhattisgarh’s Breach of Nuns’ Rights
The Catholic Congress in Kanjirappally organized a protest expressing strong opposition to the violation of fundamental and human rights in the unjust arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh. Describing the incident as a disturbing attack on religious freedom and human dignity, protestors warned against the increasing misuse of law to target faith-based service workers. The gathering called for immediate justice and constitutional accountability, urging authorities to act against the growing culture of impunity.
Gandhinagar Mudiyurkara, Kottayam: Catholic Congress Rallies Against Human Rights Violations on Nuns in Chhattisgarh
At Gandhinagar Mudiyurkara in Kottayam, the Catholic Congress staged a protest denouncing the blatant denial of fundamental rights and the grave human rights violations inflicted upon two nuns in Chhattisgarh. The protestors asserted that targeting women religious under false pretenses reflects a dangerous trend of religious intolerance, and called on the government to restore justice and uphold constitutional values. The demonstration served as a powerful reminder that faith and service should never be criminalized in a democratic nation.
Padup Voices Outrage: Catholic Congress Protests Rights Violations Against Nuns in Chhattisgarh
In Padup, the Catholic Congress staged a determined protest denouncing the serious infringement of fundamental and human rights in the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh. The protestors condemned the misuse of law and authority to unjustly target women religious, calling it a clear assault on constitutional freedoms and human dignity. The gathering demanded swift legal redress and action against those responsible, reaffirming their commitment to justice and religious liberty.
Pulikurumba Stands in Solidarity: Catholic Congress Protests Human Rights Breach Against Nuns in Chhattisgarh
In Pulikurumba, the Catholic Congress organized a protest rally condemning the blatant denial of fundamental rights and the violation of human dignity in the case of the two nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh. Terming the incident a troubling reflection of rising religious intolerance, the protestors accused authorities of unjustly targeting the nuns under politically charged narratives. The gathering called for immediate intervention to restore justice and uphold the constitutional rights of religious minorities.
Torchlight, Tears, and Truth: Wayanad Erupts in Protest Against Arrest of Keralite Nuns
As the torches dimmed and the hymns faded into the Wayanad night, a powerful message lingered: Truth cannot be shackled, and faith will not kneel to fear. If feeding the hungry is misread as manipulation, and sheltering the abandoned is criminalized, then society must introspect urgently. The Catholic community, and many others standing in solidarity, have vowed to continue their struggle peacefully but persistently, refusing to allow justice to be silenced. Across these protests, one theme rang out clearly: This is not just about two nuns it’s about the very soul of the nation. Is India still a land where the Constitution protects religious minorities, or are we witnessing the slow erosion of that promise?
"To accuse women of faith who have spent their lives caring for the abandoned, feeding the hungry, and educating the poor is a moral and legal collapse of epic proportions," said one speaker. The organization urged the government to uphold justice, respect religious harmony, and stop penalizing Christian institutions under the guise of law enforcement.
The Cherupushpa Mission League, Manimooli Regional Committee, added its voice to the growing wave of dissent. Regional President Jisha Kompanathottam presided over a protest that was deeply spiritual and politically sharp. Fr. Jainesh Puthukattil, C. Jiss Maria S.A.B.S., and other speakers condemned the arrests as violations of both human rights and constitutional guarantees. KCYM Mananthavady regional president Albin Kuzhinjalil Karott opened the session with a call to unity. Parishioners including Johnny Kainikunnel, Devasya Kappalumakal, and others echoed the demand for immediate, unconditional release of the nuns and a complete withdrawal of the case. A strong warning was issued continued silence by authorities would only escalate the protests. In St. Mary’s Parish, Thavinjal, emotions ran high as a mass protest gathering voiced anger and sorrow. Fr. James Puthenparambil, in his inaugural address, called the arrests a travesty of justice, stating that demonizing innocent women devoted to social service is a threat to democracy itself.
The demonstrators called on the central and state governments to end their silence, retract the fabricated charges, and uphold the secular fabric of the Indian Constitution. Fr. Joby Mukkat Kavungal, Diocesan Director of Catholic Congress, reminded the crowd of the Church’s enduring commitment: “We have faced martyrdom before and we shall rise again. The sacrifice of Sister Rani Maria still guides us.” Powerful speeches followed from Fr. Shiju Aikkarakanayil, Fr. Joseph Therakam, Sr. Ancita, Sr. CC George, and other lay leaders, all affirming their unwavering support for the detained sisters, C. Vandana Francis and C. Preeti Mary of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate.
A poignant torchlight procession in Kalpetta led by the Catholic Congress unit, parish council, and other lay organizations transformed the streets into a corridor of conscience. Inaugurating the protest, Kalpetta Forona Vicar Fr. Johnny Perumattikunnil criticized the disturbing trend of targeting missionaries. “If compassion is a crime, then these nuns are guilty of sainthood,” he declared, as torches were lit to symbolize truth amidst rising intolerance. In an extraordinary surge of collective conscience, the faithful across Wayanad district from Kalpetta to Thavinjal, and Manimooli have risen in protest against the unjust arrest of two Malayali Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh. The incidents, which have sent shockwaves through the Christian community, are being widely condemned as blatant attacks on religious freedom and humanitarian service, masked as legal action under controversial charges of human trafficking and forced conversion.
The leadership of the Catholic Congress has firmly declared that their fight for justice is far from over and that they will persist with unwavering resolve until truth triumphs and justice is delivered. Emphasizing that the arrest and unjust treatment of the nuns in Chhattisgarh is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of targeted oppression against religious minorities, the leaders stressed that silence in the face of such violations is not an option. They reiterated their steadfast commitment to stand with the victims of injustice, regardless of the pressure or opposition faced, and vowed to mobilize public conscience, engage legal mechanisms, and organize peaceful resistance across the country. For them, this is not merely a protest against a single incident but a moral crusade to safeguard the foundational values of the Indian Constitution—justice, equality, and religious freedom. Until these ideals are upheld in action, not just in words, the Catholic Congress asserted they will remain on the frontline of this struggle, speaking truth to power and demanding accountability.