Massive Interfaith Protest in Thoothukudi Demands Justice and Condemns Arrest of Nuns

Thoothukudi, August 5, 2025 — In a significant display of solidarity, thousands from different faiths gathered across five towns in the southern region of the Diocese of Thoothukudi on August 3 to peacefully protest the arrest of two Catholic nuns and a layman in Chhattisgarh. The coordinated protests were spearheaded by Fr. Anbu Selvan, Director of Kiruthavar Vazhvurimai Iyakkam (Christian Human Rights Movement) of the Southern Zone of the Diocese.

The movement drew wide-ranging support from the Church of South India (CSI), Islamic groups, and the Commissions for Ecumenism and Inter-Religion of the Diocese, forming a powerful interfaith coalition united in the call for justice and constitutional rights.

Simultaneous rallies were organised in Tisaiyanvilai, Nazareth, Vallioor, Anjugram, and Sathankulam, where large crowds—including non-Christians—voiced their outrage over what they termed as unjust treatment of religious personnel and growing threats to religious freedom in India. Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “Religious Freedom is a Fundamental Right,” “Stop Targeting Minorities,” and “We Stand with Our Sisters.”

At the Nazareth rally, Fr. Jerald Ravi, who coordinated the event, emphasised: “This is not just a protest against the arrest of two individuals; this is a protest against the slow erosion of constitutional values and communal harmony. Today, people from various faiths have come together to say enough is enough.”

In Sathankulam, one of the most moving and well-organised events was led by Fr. Selva George, parish priest and long-time social activist. Addressing the gathering, he stated: “This protest is not an act of defiance; it is a cry for dignity. The sisters arrested in Chhattisgarh were not criminals—they were servants of the poor, educators of the young, and women of faith. Their arrest is unjust, and our silence would be sinful.”

Meanwhile, in Vallioor, Fr. Veni Ilangumaran gave a media interview where he said: “This is not a matter limited to the Catholic Church; this is a blow to the religious and democratic fabric of our nation. The arrest of the sisters is symbolic of a larger pattern of intimidation faced by religious minorities. We are gathered here in Vallioor not just as Catholics, but as Indians who believe in the Constitution. Our protest is peaceful, prayerful, and powerful.”

In Tisaiyanvilai, Imam Marshuk Rahman expressed alarm over the rising tide of religious intolerance. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the rights of all religious communities and warned that injustice against one group sets a dangerous precedent for all. He called for national unity, peaceful coexistence, and a renewed respect for the Constitution.

At the Anjugram protest, led by Fr. Joseph Christian, crowds came from surrounding parishes including Azhappapuram, Rajakrishnapuram, Thirumoola Nagar, Panagudi, Vadakkankulam, Pathinathapuram, and Kavalkinaru. In his speech, Fr. Joseph Christian emphasised faith-based resistance and said the Church would not remain silent in the face of injustice.

The unity of the various parish communities and the substantial turnout were seen as a strong commitment to protecting religious dignity and upholding constitutional rights.

The protests concluded with a unified declaration being read aloud at all venues. The declaration demanded:

Immediate release and exoneration of the arrested sisters;

An end to false accusations against minority religious workers;

A national conversation on safeguarding constitutional values and religious freedoms.

All events were conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with police guidelines. Organisers and participants expressed their gratitude to government officials and police personnel for granting legal permission and ensuring the safety and order of the gatherings.

The Kalappai Media, which documented the event, noted that the peaceful interfaith protest served as a compelling witness to the power of communal harmony and the shared commitment to uphold the nation's constitutional values.

Massive Interfaith Protest in Thoothukudi Demands Justice and Condemns Arrest of Nuns

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