Washington, D.C*. – The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA) expresses deep concern and unequivocal condemnation over the arrest of two Catholic nuns—Sister Vandana and Sister Preethi—belonging to the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate (Green Gardens), a congregation under the Syro-Malabar Church based in Cherthala, Kerala. The nuns were arrested on July 25, 2025, at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh on unfounded charges of fake religious conversion and human trafficking.
The two religious sisters, who are devoted caregivers at Fatima Hospital in Agra, were reportedly accompanying three girls from poor tribal backgrounds—along with the brother of one of the girls—for domestic help purposes. Contrary to the police’s accusations, the sisters have a longstanding reputation for compassionate service in healthcare and community outreach. The allegations appear to stem from a complaint filed after one of the girls, reportedly without proper documentation such as Aadhaar cards, claimed she was being taken for work without full understanding.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend across parts of India where Christian minorities—especially nuns, pastors, and grassroots workers—are being harassed, falsely accused, and criminalized under vague and misused laws related to conversion and trafficking. The Green Gardens Congregation has denied the charges and confirmed that the nuns’ intent was to help the girls find work in a safe and dignified manner, not to forcibly convert or traffic them.
We are also deeply troubled by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s statement that attempted to justify the arrest under the guise of “preventing illegal conversions.” This rhetoric only fuels religious polarization and reinforces a dangerous narrative that targets vulnerable Christian workers, especially women religious, who serve selflessly in marginalized communities.
*FIACONA Calls for the Following Actions:*
– Immediate and unconditional release of the two nuns and a fair investigation based on facts, not communal bias.
– An end to politically motivated misuse of anti-conversion laws that violate the Indian Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom (Article 25).
– Protection and respect for religious personnel, especially women, who work in critical sectors like health and education in underserved areas.
– Intervention from India’s National Human Rights Commission and international human rights organizations to review the pattern of persecution against Christian communities in states like Chhattisgarh.
A Call to the Global Community
FIACONA urges the Indian diaspora, civil society, international media, and faith-based organizations worldwide to raise their voice against the unjust treatment of nuns and clergy in India. The Christian community in India has contributed immensely to the nation’s health, education, and social sectors. Targeting these individuals with fabricated charges not only violates basic human rights but also undermines India’s image as a democratic and pluralistic society.
We pray for the safety and swift release of Sister Vandana and Sister Preethi and stand in solidarity with their families, their congregation, and all those who courageously serve others despite threats and hostility.
