Udupi: In a strong show of solidarity, thousands gathered at Ajjarkadu Martyrs’ Memorial in Udupi on Monday evening to protest the alleged atrocities and false arrests of Christian sisters in Chhattisgarh. The protest, organized by the Catholic Sabha Udupi region in collaboration with other faith-based and civil society groups, demanded justice and protection for minority communities.

Addressing the peaceful crowd, social thinker Gananath Ekkar highlighted the contributions of Christians to India’s educational and healthcare sectors. “Out of 50 lakh students benefiting from Christian institutions, 48 lakh are from other religions. Christian missionaries were pioneers of literature and education even before independence,” he noted.

He condemned the violations of constitutional principles, urging people to defend the right to religious freedom. “Brotherhood and coexistence are pillars of our Constitution. When these values are attacked, national progress is hindered,” he said.

Suraiya Anjum, journalist and Youth Congress State General Secretary, stated, “Christians have walked the path of peace like Gandhiji. The response of the sisters to distressed women in Chhattisgarh was seen as a crime by fringe groups. It’s shameful.”

Ronald Almeida, President of the Catholic Sabha Udupi Region, criticized the treatment of the nuns at Durga railway station and the failure of authorities to act. He stressed that false charges must be dropped and perpetrators punished.

Key demands included:

  • Withdrawal of all false cases against the nuns.

  • Legal action against the groups responsible for the harassment.

  • Protection and security for the minority community.

  • Safeguarding constitutional and human rights of minorities.

    • Prominent religious and community leaders, including Monsignor Ferdinand Gonsalves, Fr. Denis D’Sa, Pastor Kishore, and Vicar General M.C. Mathai, stood united in the call for justice. A petition, signed by congregations across the diocese, was submitted to the President, Prime Minister, and Chhattisgarh CM.

    The protest was lauded for its disciplined and peaceful execution — no provocative slogans, well-managed crowd, and concluded within an hour.