'We stand with sisters': Christians utter in unison

Bengaluru: Under the blazing Saturday afternoon sun, more than 2,500 people gathered at Freedom Park, waving yellow and white flags along with black arm bands and holding banners in a powerful display of soli darity. The protest condemned the arrest of Sr. Preeti Mary and Sr. Vandana Francis, who were accused of trafficking and forced conversion while escorting tribal women to Agra.

The case, filed by a member of the Bajrang Dal, sparked out rage and political contro versy due to its discriminatory nature. "These Sisters were car ing for the poor, supporting students, and working self lessly for the betterment of society. They sacrificed their lives in service to others, helping people regardless of their background or identity. Yet, they were discrimi nated against and falsely accused of wrongdoing,” said Rev.

Isaac Mar Osthet heus, Bishop of the Jacobite Orthodox Church, speaking to News Trail. Commenting on the purpose of the protest, he noted, “We are not sure if they will be granted bail to day, but the entire Christian community stands here in solidarity with them.” Priests, Sisters, and the faithful from various de nominations united in sup port of the arrested nuns, defending the constitutional right to religious freedom.

Prominent attendees included Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore; Mar Sebastian Adyantharath, Bishop of Mandya; and Rev. Fr. Xavier Manavath, Vicar General for Religious, Archdiocese of Bangalore.They were joined by civil society leaders such as Vikram Anthony, director of the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation, and noted women's rights activist Brinda Adige.

 “As one humanity, we stand united in our fight against injustice. These two Sisters are innocent and must be released immediately,” said Fr. Victor Lobo, Vice Chancellor of St. Joseph University. “The government must protect the margin alised and minorities, and ensure that peace and justice prevail in the country,” he added. The speeches delivered at the protest carried strong and urgent messages.

Speakers demanded that the FIR filed against the Sisters be quashed and urged the community to stand unafraid in support of their people. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, questioned the basis of the charges: “The sections under which they were accused are extremely serious. ‘Human trafficking’ involves strict protocols and proce dures.

My question is, why were such charges imposed on them?” He reminded the Karnataka government of its pre election promise to repeal the controversial Anti-Con version Bill, officially known as the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act. He cautioned that if the law is not withdrawn, similar incidents could occur in Karnataka.

“If not repealed, we may see Chhattisgarh-like incidents unfold here, leading to unrest and insecurity.” Brinda Adige pointed out that the Sisters were ha rassed by miscreants on the railway platform even before their arrest, an inci dent that was ignored de spite their complaints. “The police were sup posed to protect them.

In stead, they allowed baseless accusations by Bajrang Dal members to escalate into serious criminal charges,” she said. “This is a false FIR that has deeply traumatised not only the Sisters, but also other nuns who have been carry ing out exceptional human itarian work, and the entire Christian community. It has created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” she added.