Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh; CM Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM Modi seeking urgent intervention

NEW DELHI: Protests erupted in Kerala over the arrest of two Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh's Durg on charges of human trafficking. Sister Vandana Francis from Thalassery and Sister Preethi Mary from Angamaly, members of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Assisi, were arrested on Friday.

The nuns, who work at Fatima Hospital in Agra, were arrested when they reached Durg railway station to pick up three girls for domestic work. The brother of one of the girls had also arrived at the station. Bajrang Dal activists stopped the nuns and informed the police, alleging forced conversion and human trafficking. They even raised allegations that one of the girls was being taken forcibly without her consent.

A case was registered against the nuns on charges of human trafficking and conversion. They have been remanded in judicial custody and are currently lodged in Durg jail.

In the latest, it is reported that the chief minister of Kerala has written to the Prime Minister seeking his immediate intervention to free the Malayali nuns from the police custody.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has alleged that the nuns were arrested under pressure from Hindutva organisations. They even wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the matter. Pressure is also being put on the BJP government in Chhattisgarh to take a stand to protect the rights of minorities.

Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K Mani MP, in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanded that the central government provide all legal assistance for the release of the nuns.

The Catholic Bishops' community, in their response, also highlighted the double-faced BJP treatment of allowing extremists to attack minorities in northern states while trying to woo the same Christian community in Kerala. The meeting was presided over by VC Wilson. The Vicar General of Changanassery, Fr. John Thekkakara, Fr. Bibin Kakaparambil, Global Secretary Jacob Nicholas, Secretary N.A. Joseph and General Secretary Jinod were present.

Opposition leader V D Satheesan called the Sangh Parivar wolves dressed in sheep's clothing.

“These Sangh affiliates join in church celebrations in Kerala but oppose the celebrations in other states. Two Malayali women were the victims of a brutal police hunt in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh. Even the police have reportedly advised the nuns to change their clothing to casual ones to evade public ire. See how dangerous the atmosphere must be there if the police too remain helpless.” Said Satheesan.