Should the Centre and State Government Address the Assaults on Priests and Nuns in Odisha?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The recent attack on Christian clergy in Odisha raises critical questions about the safety of religious minorities in India. Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath urges immediate action from the government, reflecting a broader concern about the increasing violence against such communities.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent action needed against assaults on religious minorities.
- Government responsibility to protect citizens' rights.
- Increasing violence against Christian clergy raises concerns.
- Political protests reflect public outrage over minority safety.
- Constitutional values must be upheld.
Kochi, Aug 8 (NationPress) Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), has called upon the Odisha government and the central authorities to take firm action against those responsible for the assault on Christian priests and nuns in Jaleswar on Thursday.
“The priests and nuns were simply attending prayer meetings, not engaging in any misconduct. It is the duty of both the state and central governments to ensure justice against the attackers,” Thazhath emphasized.
He further detailed, “Initially, the attackers halted their vehicle and then punctured the tyres. Following that, they tore their garments. The alarming reality is that we are witnessing an assault on our very Constitution.”
On the same day, the Opposition in Parliament is pushing for a discussion regarding the incident in BJP-governed states, highlighting the escalating dangers faced by minorities, particularly Christian priests and nuns.
The allegation states that two priests and two nuns from Kerala, en route to a prayer meeting, were attacked by approximately 70 members of the Bajrang Dal, who wrongfully accused them of attempting to convert others to Christianity.
The attackers also confiscated one priest's phone and assaulted local residents who witnessed the event.
Footage from the incident captures the victims arriving in a village in Jaleswar for a prayer service before being ambushed.
This incident follows closely on the heels of two nuns from Kerala being released from the Central Jail in Durg, Chhattisgarh, after a special NIA court granted them bail. They had been accused by the Bajrang Dal of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, allegations that were later proven false after a comprehensive investigation.
The case ignited significant outrage both within and beyond Kerala.
Interestingly, in Kerala, all political factions except the BJP have protested against the rising attacks on Christians nationwide.
In the state capital, hundreds of priests and nuns marched to the official residence of the Kerala Governor to voice their dissent.
Point of View
It is crucial to uphold the rights of all citizens, including religious minorities. The recent violence against clergy in Odisha represents a concerning trend that must be addressed with urgency. It's imperative for the government to act decisively to protect all individuals, regardless of their faith, to ensure that the Constitution's values are upheld.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Jaleswar, Odisha?
In Jaleswar, Odisha, Christian priests and nuns were attacked by members of the Bajrang Dal while they were on their way to a prayer meeting.
Who is Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath?
Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath is the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and has been vocal about the need for government action against the attack.
What is the Bajrang Dal's involvement?
The Bajrang Dal is accused of orchestrating the attack, alleging that the priests and nuns were involved in religious conversion.
What has been the response from the opposition?
The opposition has called for a discussion in Parliament about the incident and the rising threats to minorities in BJP-ruled states.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident highlights the growing concerns over the safety of religious minorities in India and the need for government accountability.
