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Arrest of Nuns at Chhattisgarh - Massive Protest Rally in Udupi Echoes a Unified Call for Justice and Harmony [Video]

Udupi, August 4, 2025: In an extraordinary display of unity, compassion, and peaceful resistance, thousands of citizens gathered at War Memorial, Hutatma Chowk, Ajjarkad, Udupi, at exactly 4:00 PM, to stand in solidarity with Sr. Preethi Mary, Sr. Vandana Francis, and Sukaman Mandavi, the three women who were victims of unjust detention and mistreatment in Chhattisgarh.

Organized by the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, the event drew overwhelming participation from across the district and beyond. The protest began with a prayer, invoking God’s grace for the innocent and the oppressed.

Mr. Ronald D’Almeida, President of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, extended a warm welcome and delivered the keynote address, setting a resolute tone for the gathering — rooted in justice, peace, and constitutional rights. Ronald said that the arrested nuns were granted bail by a special National Investigation Agency court on conditions but the false cases slapped on them have not been withdrawn. Also, the religious sisters were treated inhumanely by right-wing organizations at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh and no action was taken against those organizations. "This is just an eyewash and our protest is to ensure that the Chhattisgarh government and the central government respond appropriately to the demands of the Christian community," he said.

Mr. Gananath Yekkar, Thinker, President of Udupi district Red Cross, retired Principal of Government College, Tenkanidiyur, powerfully condemned the atrocities committed against the Nuns. He stressed that the Indian Constitution, like any sacred scripture, is a binding moral force that guarantees liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice for all. He called on citizens to remain alert to the ulterior motives of a few fanatic groups and to protect the harmony that defines India.

More than 50 lakh people are benefiting from more than 30000 Christian educational institutions across the country. Of these, 48 lakh beneficiaries belong to other religions. Christians have contributed to the development of the country since independence. The first contributors to literature were also Christian missionaries.

The basic tenets of the Constitution need to be protected from erosion and everyone has the right to practice their religion as per the principle of equality. The Chhattisgarh incident is an attack on the freedom of Christian sisters and sisters and every Indian should condemn it. Brotherhood and co-existence are the basic tenets of the Constitution and the country cannot progress when it is violated. When human rights are violated, we need to fight against it.

Social activist , a Congress party leader and women’s rights defender Ms. Suriyya Anjum highlighted the immense contribution of Christian institutions to India’s development. Though Christians constitute barely 2% of the population, their institutions educate nearly 50% of the population—serving the rich and poor, urban and rural alike. She emphasized that their role in healthcare, education, social welfare, and culture has always been selfless and noble, never motivated by forceful conversion or inducement.

Adding to the moral force of the event, many minority organisations and progressive platforms lent their wholehearted support and cooperation, reinforcing a shared commitment to truth and justice. Religious leaders, priests, and Nuns from various denominations, from both near and far, also graced the event, affirming their solidarity in person.

Gandhiji said that peace is the key to victory in any struggle. We can proudly say that those who follow the same path belong to the Christian community. In Chhattisgarh, the response of two religious sisters to the pain of two women in distress was seen as a great sin by right-wing organizations. The Christian community has shown the way to stand tall in India and the world by upholding education in the service of patients. Beti Padhao Beti Bachao should do justice to the sufferings of Christian sisters today. The violence done to the Christian community chanting peace is condemnable. We have protested under the Constitution of India against the atrocities being committed against minorities, she said.

The youth volunteers of ICYM and Catholic Sabha demonstrated great hospitality by arranging drinking water and assistance to attendees, ensuring the comfort of the massive crowd.

It was truly a divine providence that, despite it being the rainy season, the weather remained bright and dry throughout the program. The entire Hutatma Chowk was peacefully occupied by protestors united under one voice — a protest against injustice, a crime not just against women, but against humanity itself.

Mrs. Sylvia proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks, appreciating the presence, support, and efforts of every individual and organization involved.

In a key moment, Mr. Louis D’Souza, in the presence of Deanery and Diocesan office bearers,  President-Designate of Catholic Sabha, read out the official memorandum, which will be forwarded to the President and Prime Minister of India, Governor and Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh through the District Commissioner of Udupi. The crowd responded with a thunderous applause, approving its content and affirming their shared demands.

Very Rev Mngr Ferdinand Gonsalves, the Vicar General of Udupi diocese, Very Rev Fr Stephen D’Souza, the Chancellor, Rev Fr Denis D’Sa, the public relations officer, Fr Joa Tauro, the episcopal vicar for religious, Nithin Baretto, president of Indian Catholic Youth Movement Udupi diocese, Prof. Paniraj, President of Sahabalve Udupi, Joel D’Almeida, secretary of Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh, Fr. M. C. Mathai, vicar general of Brahmavar Syrian Orthodox Church, president of Karnataka Southern Diocese Udupi Area, Pastor Kishore, priests of various congregations, nuns and thousands of parishioners were present.
In the protest, an appeal was made to the President of the country, the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh through the signatures collected from all the churches of the diocese.

The well-organized one-hour program, anchored gracefully by Mrs. Veronica Carnelio, concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, echoing with patriotic reverence and resolve.

Major demands
All charges against the accused nuns should be dropped. There should be a proper investigation into the atrocities committed by right-wing organizations and appropriate legal action should be taken against those responsible for the incident. Adequate security should be provided to the minorities. The plea sought an end to the violation of human rights and constitutional rights of minorities.

This historic protest was not just about three innocent women — it was a collective cry for justice, a call to uphold constitutional values, and a solemn commitment to protect the dignity of every Indian citizen, irrespective of faith or background. Udupi, on this day, stood tall — in truth, in unity, and in peace.

[Video]