Religious Tensions Escalate: Arrest of Kerala Nuns Sparks Outcry

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has voiced strong opposition to what he describes as 'religious persecution', following the arrest of two Kerala-based nuns in Chhattisgarh. In a pointed letter to Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Sangma condemned the incarceration and called for the immediate withdrawal of what he termed a 'false case.'

The nuns, Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethy Mary, were detained at Durg Railway Station on July 25. They are accused of engaging in forceful conversion and human trafficking. Sangma highlighted the fundamental principles of a democratic and secular India, urging an end to such 'baseless accusations' that jeopardize lives and highlight a 'worrying pattern of religious targeting.'

Emphasizing justice and the rejection of intolerance, Sangma wrote, 'Justice must prevail. Intolerance must not.' Meanwhile, Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar has affirmed that the Chhattisgarh government will not oppose the nuns' bail applications. Congress MP Anto Antony raised their plight in Parliament, citing health concerns and human rights violations, and pressing for justice for the nuns.

(With inputs from agencies.)