Chhattisgarh Nun Arrests Spark Outcry: CBCI Decries Anti-Minority Climate

The arrest of two Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh on allegations of human trafficking and forced conversion has ignited controversy, prompting the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) to express deep concern. The CBCI criticized the arrests, pinpointing the escalating climate of hostility and violence faced by minority groups. Archbishop Anil Joseph Thomas Couto, representing the CBCI, cautioned against the disintegration of the constitutional framework and the rise of communal influence within democratic institutions. The CBCI highlighted its profound worry regarding the increasing hostility and violence directed towards minorities. These arrests stemmed from accusations of human trafficking and coerced conversions. Furthermore, the CBCI drew attention to a statement by a BJP MLA from Maharashtra, who offered rewards for those who assaulted individuals involved in conversions. The CBCI labeled this as highly provocative, calling for immediate legal intervention. It emphasized the absence of an FIR against the MLA, in stark contrast to the prompt legal actions often taken against individuals for lesser offenses like social media posts. The CBCI also referenced a concerning incident involving the arrest of the nuns, purportedly instigated by communal elements. The CBCI urged the Indian government and all political parties to take decisive action to safeguard the country and its citizens, adhering to constitutional principles.