Catholic Union demands release of Nuns in Chhattisgarh and condemns Rising Tide of Anti-Christian Violence in India

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AC Michael

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Aug 1, 2025, 11:02:30 PMAug 1

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The 106 year old All India Catholic Union (AICU) condemns the unjust arrest of two Catholic nuns, Sister Preetha Mary and Sister Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (ASMI), and their Tribal aide Sukhman Mandavi in Chhattisgarh on July 25, 2025 and demands their immediate and unconditional release.

The arrests, coupled with the refusal of bail by multiple courts, the involvement of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the complicity of state authorities with anti-Christian elements linked to the Sangh Parivar, represents a grave assault on religious freedom, minority rights, and the secular fabric of India, AICU President Engr. Elias Vaz said.

The severity of the pan Indian hate campaign in the last few years by members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata party and its allies in the Sangh Parivar can be gauged by the fact that that a Maharashtra BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar is offering Rs 5 Lakh [ $5,756 USD), to anyone for “thrashing a missionary, the second one to be given Rs 4 lakh, while the third one to be given Rs 3 lakh as prizes.”

The arrest of the nuns is a stark reminder of the escalating anti-Christian violence in India, particularly in BJP ruled states. According to the United Christian Forum, attacks against Christians have risen dramatically, from 127 incidents in 2014 to 834 over the past decade. In 2025 alone, the Christian community has faced relentless persecution, including vandalism of churches, harassment of clergy, and disruption of religious services.

Please refer to the attached press release for the complete statement.

Thanks & regards,

A C Michael

A C Michael (Full Name: Michael Anthony Cruz)

Former Member of Delhi Minorities Commission, Govt of NCT of Delhi

President, Federation of Catholic Associations of Archdiocese of Delhi

National Coordinator - United Christian Forum, India (UCF India)

National Coordinator - Inter-Faith & Ecumenical Relations of All India Catholic Union (AICU)

Delhi State President of All India Catholic Union

Independent Director, Touchwood Group of Companies

Chairman & Managing Director, Sirio India Inductive Components Pvt. Ltd

Mobile: +91-9818155290

UCF Toll-Free Helpline: 1-800-208-4545

ABOUT UCF TOLL-FREE HELPLINE NUMBER

UCF toll-free helpline number: 1-800-208-4545 was launched on 19^th January 2015 with the aim of upholding fundamental freedom and promotion of values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity of India.

The helpline helps people in distress, especially those who are not aware of the law of the land and the system by guiding them how to reach out to the public authorities and by providing the way to legal remedies.