SHILLONG/TURA, July 31: The torrent of condemnations continued to pour in from Meghalaya against the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh over allegations of human trafficking and forced conversion, even as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, against the backdrop, has assured of taking all possible steps to ensure their release.
Voicing its strong condemnation, the Garo Hills Catholic Union (GHCU) asserted that the charges against the nuns were baseless.
“These devoted nuns have long been known for their unwavering commitment to the service of humanity. Their arrest is not only an injustice but also an attack on the very spirit of compassion, faith and selfless service they embody,” the union said in a statement.
It also called on civil society and human rights organisations across India to stand up against the harassment of religious minorities.
On the other hand, the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) issued a sharp rebuke, demanding legal action against Bajrang Dal members involved in the alleged harassment and assault of the two nuns and others in Chhattisgarh.
MPCC working president Deborah Marak condemned the incident and called for an investigation into the apparent police inaction and potential collusion. She demanded the immediate release of the nuns and robust policies to protect religious minorities.
Echoing the sentiment, the Meghalaya Pradesh Mahila Congress (MPMC) termed the arrest of Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preeti Mary “fabricated and politically motivated.”
MPMC president Joplyn Shylla described the arrests as part of a disturbing trend of systemic persecution of minorities, particularly Christian missionaries and institutions.
“We also call for accountability from the Chhattisgarh government and central government who must ensure that constitutional rights and protections for religious freedom are upheld,” Shylla said.
She also urged all Christian religious denominations, leaders, churches, and organisations—Catholic, Presbyterian, and Evangelical alike—to come together and stand in peaceful and democratic protest against the arrest of the nuns.
Shylla asserted that the Mahila Congress stands in solidarity with the Christian community across India and will continue to raise the issue at every possible platform until justice is served.
Meanwhile, in the national capital, United Democratic Front (UDF) MP NK Premachandran said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured a delegation of Kerala MPs during a meeting that all legal avenues would be explored to ensure the nuns’ release.
He also said that Shah’s remarks during the meeting indicated that he believed the nuns were innocent.
Premachandran said that it was “unfortunate” that a sessions court in Durg, Chhattisgarh shifted the nuns’ case to an NIA court which deals with terror-related matters.
“It was done without hearing any of the sides. There was actually no need to do that,” he said. The MP said that Shah, during the meeting, also assured them that the Chhattisgarh government will move a plea in the NIA court to shift the case from there.
Amit Shah informed them that directions have been issued to the state government not to oppose the bail plea of the nuns, he added.
“Therefore, we are 99 per cent hopeful that the nuns will get bail today itself. The central government and the home minister have taken a favourable stand in the matter,” Premachandran added. (With inputs from PTI)
