NJCF denounces nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh
Dimapur, August 3 (MExN): The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) joined others in decrying the arrest of two nuns from Kerala at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh on July 25, terming it a “pure violation of individual rights to do good to humanity.”
“It not only infringed on religious liberty and freedom to profess one’s faith but a crime against right-thinking citizens of the country,” the NJCF stated in its condemnation, further noting that the incident had “brought shame” not only to modern India, as it claimed, but also on law enforcement authorities who “acted on mere suspicion.”
“A mere report made them to forget the book of law under which they function to maintain law and civic order,” the Forum stated in a release issued by its President, Rev Dr N Paphino, and Secretary, Rev Dr Moses Murry.
It also accused the authorities of allegedly being influenced by a “false narration and acted on a staged and false accusation.”
The state leadership, it added, must take responsibility and offer an apology to the religious community to which the two nuns belong, and also to humanity at large, for whom they act to make the world a better place.
As per the PTI news agency, the NIA court in Chhattisgarh on August 2 granted bail to the two nuns and another person arrested on July 25 over “allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.”
Meanwhile, the NJCF stated that it was “saddened and appalled” to see India once again making headlines for the wrong reasons.
It emphasised that, at this juncture, it is paramount for the national leadership to urgently address the rising incidents of religious intolerance, where unlawful actions by fringe elements continue to undermine human dignity and constitutional values.
Such acts, the Forum added, not only violate fundamental rights but also tarnish India’s global image as a democratic and pluralistic society and the nation’s leadership should be “sensitive enough” to realise that “every act against humanity and particularly towards religious minority is watched by the world.”
It further noted that religion—be it Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, or any other—has in it the power to do good to humanity.
“And our two sisters were doing just that! In our part of the country, we do not do charity work based on religion, caste or creed. Our only regret is, we do not do enough to make our world a better place,” the NJCF contended.
Thus, it noted that the incident reflected a “blatant and systematic persecution against minorities,” adding that when authorities act on any report targeting a certain religious group in the country, it is nothing less than endorsing violence and discrimination.
The NJCF questioned those behind the false accusations, asking what in the actions of the two nuns prompted such hostility, and whether their compassion provoked jealousy that was repaid with hatred aimed at demeaning their dignity.
In a world marred by inequality and discrimination, the Forum said it draws inspiration from the courage and compassion of the two sisters, who, it stressed, chose love over hatred and stood steadfast in faith, unity, and empathy to build a more just and peaceful nation.
CM Rio, Deputy Patton for impartial investigation
Meanwhile, reacting to the incident on Saturday, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio termed the detention as “deeply troubling.”
“It is a grave violation of their fundamental rights – freedom of movement, dignity, and religion – as guaranteed by the Constitution of India. I call for an impartial investigation,” he posted on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton also welcomed the granting of bail to the two nuns and another person, and urged for a fair and transparent investigation into the case.
In his statement, he emphasised that the legal process must be guided by facts and evidence, free from any undue pressure or influence, and expressed confidence that the Chhattisgarh authorities would uphold constitutional values and ensure justice through due process.
