Opposition Protests in Parliament Over Arrest of Catholic Nuns in Chhattisgarh

The arrest of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with opposition parties staging protests in Parliament. United Democratic Front (UDF) MPs, led by Congress leaders K C Venugopal and Rahul Gandhi, strongly condemned the violent mob attack on the nuns and accused the BJP-RSS ecosystem of treating minorities as criminals and unleashing “lumpen elements” to intimidate citizens practicing their faith.

Two Catholic nuns from Kerala were arrested on Friday in Chhattisgarh on allegations of religious conversion and human trafficking. The incident happened when Sister Vandana and Sister Preethi, members of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), a congregation under the Syro-Malabar Church based in Cherthala, were taken into custody at the Durg railway station.

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“We strongly protest against the shocking arrest and harassment of Catholic nuns in Durg in Chhattisgarh. They were targeted by a violent mob despite no wrongdoing. By the BJP-RSS ecosystem, all minorities are treated as criminals, and lumpen elements are unleashed to intimidate fellow citizens practicing their faith. This jugalbandi between Bajrang Dal goons and the police in Chhattisgarh shows the BJP’s real intent towards religious minorities. We demand their immediate release and justice for the innocent nuns,” Venugopal told newsmen.

Rahul Gandhi also spoke out against the incident, saying, “Two Catholic nuns jailed in Chhattisgarh after being targeted for their faith – this isn’t justice; it’s BJP-RSS mob rule. It reflects a dangerous pattern: systematic persecution of minorities under this regime. UDF MPs protested in Parliament today. We will not be silent. Religious freedom is a constitutional right. We demand their immediate release and accountability for this injustice.”

The opposition parties’ protest highlights the growing concerns about the treatment of minorities in Chhattisgarh and the alleged role of the BJP-RSS ecosystem in perpetuating alleged violence and intimidation against them. The demand for the immediate release of the nuns and justice for the innocent underscores the need for accountability and action against those responsible for the violence.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with many calling for the authorities to take immediate action to protect the rights of minorities and ensure their safety and security.