Chhattisgarh nuns' arrest: Sangh Parivar’s true colours revealed, says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh, calling it a clear reflection of the true nature of the Sangh Parivar. He said the arrest was based on a false complaint filed by Bajrang Dal activists.

“This is yet another example of the Sangh Parivar’s ongoing attacks against the Christian community. Those who visit Christian homes and parish houses with smiles of goodwill are the very same people who now hunt down even nuns by accusing them of religious conversion and human trafficking,” the Chief Minister said.

He added that the Sangh Parivar is afraid of the country’s diversity and culture of coexistence, and that's why attacks against minorities continue to occur. “Soon after learning about the arrest of the Malayali nuns, I wrote to the Prime Minister demanding immediate action to ensure justice. However, even the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh defended the arrest,” Pinarayi said.

The Chief Minister further stated that the Sangh Parivar is consistently trying to damage the secular fabric of the nation by fuelling hatred and divisive politics. “It is essential to strongly resist and defeat all attempts to encroach upon the rights of minorities and the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” he added.

The Railway Police on Saturday arrested Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethi Mary from Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh under charges of human trafficking (Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and religious conversion (Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act, 1968). They have been remanded in judicial custody till August 8.

Reports say the arrests followed protests at the station by members of Bajrang Dal, the aggressive youth wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). They accused the nuns of human trafficking and forced conversion.