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Mangaluru, India – A wave of solidarity swept through Mangaluru on Monday, as hundreds of faith-based citizens, social activists, and religious leaders gathered outside the Mini Vidhana Soudha. Organized by the Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh, this peaceful protest was a powerful demand for justice for two Catholic nuns and a tribal youth who were recently arrested in Chhattisgarh under questionable circumstances.
A Call for Justice for Nuns and Tribal Youth
The demonstration stood firmly in support of Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, both hailing from Kerala, and Sukaman Mandavi from Narayanpur. These individuals were apprehended on July 25th at Durg Railway Station, facing allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversion of three tribal women. The community believes these charges are unfounded and are calling for their immediate release and vindication.
Banners Speak Louder Than Words
The protestors’ message was clear and resonant, articulated through impactful banners that conveyed the core of their grievances:
- “Right to freedom is not only for the majority, but equally for the minority.”
- “Why do they love India but hate the women who serve it?”
- “We demand constitutional rights for those deprived of them.”
- “We strongly oppose the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh.”
- “Respect and honour Article 25.”
- “Stop atrocities on Christians — the minority.”
These powerful slogans underscored a collective plea for justice, equality, and the unwavering protection of constitutional freedoms for all citizens of India, regardless of their faith or background.
Voices of Concern and Resilience
The rally commenced with a warm welcome by Mr. Santosh D’Souza, President of the Catholic Sabha, who emphasized the importance of unity and steadfastness. Following this, former president and PRO Mr. Rophy D’Costa delivered a thought-provoking keynote address, highlighting the growing intolerance and the alarming misuse of legal frameworks to target vulnerable communities.
Sister Severine Menezes, former CRI President of Mangalore, spoke with deep conviction: “Christian institutions are dedicated to serving the most vulnerable through education, healthcare, and social upliftment. To accuse us of coercion is an attack on every individual who selflessly dedicates their lives to service.”
Adding to the powerful chorus, Rev. Fr. Dominic Vas, current CRI President and Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Church, Bikarnakatta, declared, “We hold the Bible in one hand and the Constitution in the other. We are patriots—not fanatics. This case is fabricated and must be quashed. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Mr. Roy Castelino, PRO of the Diocese of Mangalore, raised critical questions about the proceedings: “The woman who lodged the complaint has vanished. Yet, the sisters were swiftly arrested. This is not justice. We demand that Jyothi Sharma face charges for filing a false, malicious complaint.”
Echoing these sentiments, speakers Mr. Stany Lobo, Mr. Alwyn D’Souza, and Mrs. Wilma Monteiro stressed the urgent need to uphold Article 25, the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom for all.
A United Community Standing Strong
The demonstration was a powerful display of unity, drawing participation from former MLA J.R. Lobo, numerous clergy members, and religious sisters. This intergenerational gathering presented a united front against the rising tide of hostility.
Despite the significant turnout, the rally remained a testament to peaceful protest, with law enforcement present to ensure order. The message emanating from Mangaluru was unambiguous: the Christian community stands firm against injustice and reaffirms its deep commitment to truth, service, and the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution.
The Catholic Sabha Mangalore Pradesh has vowed to continue its unwavering advocacy until Sisters Preethi Mary, Vandana Francis, and Sukaman Mandavi are fully exonerated and justice is served.
