Catholic Association Calls For Release of Nuns in Chhattisgarh

Shillong, Jul 31 (PTI) — The Catholic Association of Shillong has reached out to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai regarding the arrest of two nuns, Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, as well as Sukaman Mandavi, under allegations of human trafficking and religious conversion. These charges have been described by the association as "baseless" and "falsely framed".

The nuns, along with Mandavi, were detained by the Government Railway Police (GRP) at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh on July 25. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by a local Bajrang Dal member who alleged they were involved in the forced conversion and trafficking of three women from the tribal-majority Narayanpur district.

According to the Catholic Association of Shillong (CAS), led by former Congress MP Vincent H Pala, the individuals were merely accompanying the three young women, who are over 18 years of age and had their parents’ full consent, to explore job opportunities.

"Their work is in service to humanity, regardless of caste, creed or religion. We believe such actions help foster national growth and development," stated the association in a letter to the chief minister.

The association attributed the arrest to the "communal bias" of Bajrang Dal members, alleging that it was "instigated" rather than based on evidence.

Describing the incident as a "violation of constitutional rights," the association called on the Chhattisgarh chief minister for the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested.

The organization appealed to authorities for the protection of minority rights and safeguards against the misuse of anti-conversion laws, emphasizing that this incident represented an "infringement on the right of minorities to practice their faith and engage in social work without fear of persecution."

They also pointed out that the nuns belong to the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate and condemned the incident as an "act of harassment".

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