Minister Sivankutty criticizes bishops on arrest of Malayali nuns in Chattisgarh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister V Sivankutty strongly criticized the bishops in connection with the arrest of Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking. He asked why the bishops are not responding even after the nuns were arrested.

He asked if writing an editorial in Deepika and then pray in bishops house will solve the problem. Isn't Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading all this? Sivankutty criticised the bishops for not showing the courage to tell the Prime Minister that they are facing difficulties like this.

Meantime, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has written a letter to the Prime Minister alleging that the nuns were arrested as a result of pressure from Hindutva organizations. They have also asked the BJP government in Chhattisgarh to take a stand for the protection of the rights of minorities. Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K Mani MP has written a letter to the Prime Minister seeking all legal assistance for the release of the nuns.

Sister Vandana Francis of Thalassery and Sister Preethi Mary of Angamaly, both members of Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate, were arrested on Friday. A case has been registered against the nuns on charges of human trafficking and religious conversion. They have been remanded in judicial custody and are presently in the Durg jail.