- 02 August, 2025
Belagavi, August 2, 2025 – In a powerful display of unity and peaceful resistance, over 400 Christians from various backgrounds assembled at the DC Office in Belagavi to protest the recent arrest and assault of two Catholic nuns and a tribal youth in Chhattisgarh. The protest, held on Friday, 1 August, was jointly organised by the Catholic Association of Belgaum and the Catholic Religious of India (CRI), Belgaum Unit.
The silent protest march began at the DC Compound and culminated in the submission of a memorandum addressed to the President of India, the Prime Minister, and the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The memorandum was handed over to Deputy Commissioner Shri Mohammed Roshan, who assured the protestors that the matter would be taken seriously.
Among the participants were priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and lay faithful, united by a shared concern for justice, truth, and the protection of India's constitutional values.
The protest was sparked by the wrongful arrest of two Catholic nuns and a youth from Kerala on 25 July 2025 at Durg Railway Station, Chhattisgarh. They were escorting three adult tribal women, aged 18–19, from Narayanpur to Agra for nursing employment opportunities. Despite having valid identification and parental consent, they were falsely accused of forced religious conversion and charged under Section 143 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Religious Freedom Act (1968).
Bishop Rev. Dr. Derek Fernandes, who led the protest, denounced the charges: “The charges of forced conversion are totally baseless and meant solely to harass and target the Catholic community, which has selflessly served society for generations. This is not just an attack on a few individuals—it is an attack on our values, our mission, and our identity.”
Mrs. Clara Fernandes, President of the Catholic Association of Belgaum, demanded accountability: “Those responsible for the false accusations, assault, and arrest must be booked under the law. A fair and impartial investigation must be initiated, and justice should prevail.”
Sr. Lourd Joseph, President of the CRI Belgaum Unit, underscored the contribution of nuns in the fields of education, healthcare, and social service: “It is outrageous that those who work tirelessly for the poor and marginalised are treated like criminals. We demand the immediate release of the innocent and the protection of those who serve selflessly.”
The protest concluded with the submission of the memorandum, which urged the government to uphold India’s secular ethos and safeguard minority rights as enshrined in the Constitution. Deputy Commissioner Roshan acknowledged the concerns of the community and promised appropriate action.
Notable participants included Rev. Fr. Philip Kutty, Fr. Nooroddin Mulla, Louis Rodrigues, Fr. Pramod Kumar, Sr. Pastor Ankalgi, and several other ecumenical leaders and faithful.
Fr. Alwin Christopher George, Secretary of the Commission for Social Communication, Diocese of Belgaum, emphasised that the protest was a call to conscience: “This protest was not just about one incident—it was a wake-up call to the nation. The Christian community, along with people of goodwill, continues to stand for truth, peace, and justice, calling upon civil society and the government to protect the innocent and uphold human dignity.”
By Louis Rodrigues
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