Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
India has long been celebrated as a land of religious diversity,where citizens are free to practice any faith.
However, recent events suggest a troubling shift in this narrative.
A striking example is the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh, accused of human trafficking and religious conversion—charges that appear baseless and fabricated.
These nuns, who dedicated their lives to serving society, were arrested after bringing two young women to their workplace, offering them better job opportunities.
Both the women and their families confirmed that they accompanied the nuns willingly, with no coercion. Despite these statements, the police pressed false charges, and the case has now been escalated to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court.
This incident raises critical questions about accountability and justice in India’s legal and political systems.
The state government, responsible for maintaining law and order, has failed to curb such misuse of power by the police.
If even schoolchildren can see through the falsity of these allegations, why does the state remain idle? When police officers file false First Information Reports (FIRs), innocent people like these nuns suffer imprisonment, mental distress, and social stigma. Who is accountable for their ordeal?
The broader historical context cannot be ignored. Christian missionaries introduced India’s first schools, newspapers, and the concept of universal basic education.
Yet, today, their contributions seem overlooked as they face unfounded accusations. The systemic issue of false FIRs is not new—it has led to countless innocent individuals languishing in Indian jails.
To address this, any police officer found filing a false FIR should face severe consequences, such as suspension or other significant penalties.
The political dimension of this issue is equally concerning. When the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed Anil Antony to a national party position, many Christians hoped he would advocate for their interests.
However, his actions, along with those of his family, suggest opposition to Christian values, raising questions about his suitability for such a role. Political parties must prioritize leaders who can represent their communities effectively and speak confidently in public, rather than perpetuating dynasty politics.
The case of the two nuns underscores a deeper malaise: a system that appears manipulated by vested interests. As long as false allegations go unpunished and justice remains elusive, India’s commitment to religious freedom and fairness will be called into question.
Who will deliver justice to these nuns, and how many more will suffer before the system is reformed?.
