Shillong, Aug 1: NPP national president Conrad Sangma has urged the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, to revoke the detention of two nuns, Vandana Francis and Preethy Mary, from Kerala.
In his letter to Sai on Friday, Sangma said,
“I kindly request your cooperation and support to ensure a fair investigation into the matter, safeguard the rights of religious minorities in Chhattisgarh and consider revoking the case lodged against the nuns.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and religious freedom.”
On July 26, the two nuns were detained by the Chhattisgarh police at Durg Railway Station under false charges and pressure from right-wing groups.
The situation arose when the nuns were accompanying three girls from Chhattisgarh to Agra. A Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) questioned the girls, who stated they didn’t have tickets and were traveling at the nuns’ request.
The TTE alerted local activists, who then
alleged that he nuns were attempting to take the girls for forced religious conversion.
This claim sparked a protest, and the police detained the nuns and girls based on the activists’ complaint.
A case has been lodged against the nuns under serious sections.
“We believe that this is a case of harassment and false allegations. Hence, we urge you to intervene and ensure justice,” Sangma said in the letter
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has also requested the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene in this matter, he said.
Heart-breaking attacks
BJP leader and cabinet minister AL Hek has sought the intervention of the union home minister Amit Shah to put an end to the “heart-breaking attacks” on Christians in Chhattisgarh.
In his letter to Shah on Friday, Hek said, “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.”
Referring to a recent video, the cabinet minister said that a person called Jyoti Sharma can be seen acting as a law enforcement agency by herself, checking bags and threatening the nuns, while the state police watched on as mute spectators. He alleged that she has even publicly slapped a pastor, again in front of the police.
“Such behaviour on her part has deeply hurt the sentiments of the peaceful Christian society across the nation,” he said.
Hek also informed that he had a telephonic discussion with the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and also a letter has been sent on July 29 requesting for immediate release of the two nuns.
“We request your personal intervention in securing the release of the two Catholic nuns who have been jailed in Chhattisgarh and action against Jyoti Sharma for her behaviour, who has brought shame to crores of peace loving Hindu communities in our beloved country,” he said.
