Shillong, Aug 1: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has written to the central government seeking its help in securing the release of two Catholic nuns from Kerala by the Chhattisgarh Police.
In a letter addressed to central authorities, Sangma expressed concern over the incident involving Sr Vandana Francis and Sr Preethy Mary, who are associated with Fatima Hospital in Agra. The nuns were reportedly detained on July 26 at Durg Railway Station while they were accompanying three girls from Chhattisgarh to Agra.
The issue came to light after a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) questioned the girls, who admitted they did not possess valid tickets and were traveling at the request of the nuns. This led to local activists alleging that the nuns were involved in an attempt at forced religious conversion. A protest soon followed, resulting in the detention of the nuns and the three girls by local police.
“Serious charges have been filed against the nuns based on unverified complaints, which appear to be motivated and influenced by pressure from right-wing groups,” Sangma stated in his letter. He termed the episode as a clear case of harassment and false accusation.
Calling for justice, Sangma urged the Centre to ensure a fair investigation, protect the rights of religious minorities in Chhattisgarh, and consider revoking the case against the two nuns. He also extended his support to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), which has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate action.
“This matter concerns fundamental rights and religious freedom. We seek your cooperation to uphold justice and safeguard the dignity of those involved,” Sangma concluded.
Meanwhile, state cabinet minister Alexander Laloo Hek also wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to voice strong condemnation over the arrest of the nuns.
Urging people to wake up and stand firm against such atrocities, Hek said, “People should wake up and put their feet down against atrocities towards Christians.”
The BJP leader has written to Shah, following a telephonic conversation with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, expressing his deep concern over the incident.
In his letter to Shah, Hek appealed for immediate intervention, stating, “With deep humility and utmost reverence, I appeal to your good office to kindly intervene and prevent the heart-breaking attacks on Christians in Chhattisgarh.”
Citing a recent video where a woman named Jyoti Sharma is seen harassing two nuns and even slapping a pastor in full public view while police allegedly stood by silently, Hek said such actions had “deeply hurt the sentiments of the peaceful Christian society across the nation.”
He added that Sharma’s behaviour has brought disrepute to “crores of peace-loving Hindu communities” in the country.
Hek further stated that he had spoken to the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and followed it up with a letter sent on July 29, requesting the immediate release of the two nuns.
The BJP leader urged the Home Minister to take urgent steps to secure their release and initiate action against Jyoti Sharma for her conduct.
The fate of the nuns has occupied various political parties and other groups in Christian-majority Meghalaya. Previous calls for their release were issued by the United Democratic Party, Congress Party and Catholic Association of Shillong.
