Conference of Religious India Marks Protest Over Nuns’ Arrest in Chhattisgarh
George Kommattam - August 2025
In a show of solidarity and justice, the Conference of Religious India (CRI) Kozhikode-Malappuram units, organized a protest meeting titled "Love Overrules Hatred" at the Chavara Cultural Centre in Kozhikode, Kerala.
The event was held in response to the continued incarceration of two Keralite nuns, Preeti Mary and Vandana Francis, who are currently detained in Chhattisgarh on charges of forced religious conversion and human trafficking. The protest aimed to highlight the injustice faced by the two nuns and call for their immediate release.
The meeting was attended by prominent religious and community leaders from the Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, all gathered to express their concerns and stand united with the imprisoned nuns.
Mayor Beena Philip was among the key speakers, condemning the ongoing persecution of religious missionaries who serve vulnerable communities. “The oppression of missionaries who have dedicated their lives to helping the marginalized and the underprivileged is unacceptable. We stand with the nuns in this fight for justice,” she stated passionately.
P.K. Gopi, the well-known poet, stressed the significant contributions of nuns to society. “The tireless work done by nuns, particularly in serving the poorest and most marginalized communities, should not be forgotten. India owes much to their selfless service,” he remarked, underlining the importance of acknowledging the work of religious communities in the country.
Hamid Chengamangallur, a social critic and writer, echoed Mayor Philip’s sentiments, focusing on the broader implications of the situation. “We must safeguard the values of socialism and secularism that are foundational to our nation. The efforts to undermine these principles should be carefully scrutinized,” Chengamangallur remarked.
Adv. M.S. Saji, a prominent lawyer, took the opportunity to speak about the legal violations in the case, emphasizing that the actions of the authorities in Durg, Chhattisgarh, were a clear violation of justice. “The accusations against the nuns are baseless. The law is being manipulated to punish these individuals who have spent their lives helping those in need,” he said.
Prof. Jayaprakash Raghavayya, a prominent historian who spoke on the occasion, expressed his firm belief that in the end, justice and truth would ultimately prevail.
The meeting began with a tableau by the sisters that poignantly showcased the conditions of nuns who serve the poor and marginalized, highlighting the contrast between their selfless service and the unjust treatment they receive in return.
Chhattisgarh incidents and the conditions the two nuns have faced since their arrest. The video highlighted their harsh detention and the ongoing legal battle, which only deepened the concerns of those in attendance. The powerful visual presentation further motivated the crowd to speak out for justice.
The event featured speeches from several prominent figures, including Jesuit Provincial Fr. Henry Pattarumadathil, Fr. John Mannarathara, CRI President, Fr. Martin Augustine, CRI Vice President, Sr. Jisna Joseph, CRI Secretary, Sr. Regina John, Fr. Roji Kazhukanolikkal, and K.F. George from the Chavara Cultural Centre. Each speaker addressed the gathering with a call for justice, solidarity, and the protection of religious freedom, stressing the importance of supporting the nuns and defending their selfless service to society.
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