What Led to the Arrest of Nuns in Kerala?
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Synopsis
The recent arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh has sparked significant concerns and political maneuvers in Kerala. With the BJP stepping in for damage control, the Church seeks justice and immediate release for the nuns. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding religious groups and governance in India.
Key Takeaways
- BJP is actively working on damage control in response to the nuns' arrest.
- The Church is advocating for the immediate release of the detained nuns.
- Political leaders from various parties are uniting to address the issue.
- The situation raises critical questions about religious freedom in India.
- There is a need for clarity on sensitive topics like conversion and trafficking.
Raipur/Kochi, Aug 1 (NationPress) A week after two nuns from Kerala were apprehended and are currently detained in Chhattisgarh, the BJP's Kerala unit initiated a damage control strategy on Friday. State BJP president and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar convened with Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, who serves as the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), to deliberate on the situation.
Post-meeting, Archbishop Thazhath expressed that the Church had articulated its significant concern regarding the ongoing detention of the two nuns, asserting their innocence.
"One of the nuns has been dedicated to serving leprosy patients in the area for over three decades. Their detention has left us in shock. We have implored Rajeev Chandrasekhar to facilitate their immediate release," Thazhath informed reporters.
He noted that Chandrasekhar was the inaugural political figure to engage with the Church after the arrests, with Congress leaders also having visited to show their solidarity.
"We are only seeking justice. We are optimistic after today's discussions, particularly since Rajeev conveyed that both Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are informed about the issue and have promised support. We also expressed our alarm regarding the escalating threats faced by our missionaries operating outside Kerala," he remarked.
Later, addressing the media, Chandrasekhar stated that both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister assured him "two days ago" that justice would prevail.
"It has become evident that the Chhattisgarh government will not contest the bail application. This is a judicial matter that should progress according to legal procedures. There are attempts to politicize this issue, but such actions are unnecessary," he stated.
He emphasized that the BJP's assistance is not politically motivated but based on principle. "A clear misunderstanding has occurred. It is essential to acknowledge that matters like conversion and trafficking are delicate," he added.
Chandrasekhar departed for Delhi shortly after the meeting, reportedly to consult with Amit Shah and other senior officials to hasten a resolution.
Meanwhile, in Chhattisgarh, vigorous efforts are being made to secure the release of the nuns. On Friday morning, three Congress MPs -- Kodikunnil Suresh, Anto Antony, and Dean Kuriakose -- arrived in the state, accompanied by two former CPI(M) MPs from Kerala, P.K. Sreemathi and C.S. Sujatha. They are anticipated to meet the detained nuns.
The arrested individuals, Sister Preeti Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, are affiliated with the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate, a congregation under the Syro-Malabar Church located in Alappuzha district. They had been serving at a hospital in Agra.
On July 26, while escorting three women from Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district to Agra for employment as kitchen helpers in a convent, the nuns and a man named Sukhman Mandavi were intercepted at a railway station by Bajrang Dal activists.
Following their complaint, the police apprehended the nuns on allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion. A local court subsequently placed them in judicial custody.
Point of View
It is vital to observe that this incident underscores the intricate balance between religious freedom and legal accountability in India. It is essential that the rights of all individuals, regardless of their faith, are upheld while ensuring that justice prevails without political interference.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the nuns arrested?
The nuns were arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion while escorting women for employment.
What actions has the BJP taken regarding the arrests?
The BJP's Kerala unit has initiated a damage control effort, with party leaders meeting Church officials to discuss the situation and seek justice.
What is the Church's stance on the nuns' arrest?
The Church has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of the nuns, asserting their innocence and calling for their immediate release.
What are the implications of this incident?
This incident highlights the tensions between religious groups and the government, raising questions about the treatment of missionaries and religious freedoms in India.
What support have the nuns received from political leaders?
Both Congress and BJP leaders have visited the Church to express solidarity and discuss the nuns' release, indicating a bipartisan concern for their situation.
