The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum is saddened and appalled to see that India is once again in the news for the wrong reason. At this juncture, it is paramount that the nation leadership address this issue at the earliest. India cannot only aim at improving its economy and power globally when on the other hand, her image is tarnished time and again by the fanatics who take law and order into their hands to degrade human dignity with false accusation to serve their ill intention to threaten the peaceful coexistence. It not only demean human rights but, is, a direct insult to human dignity and religious freedom inscribed in the constitution. Therefore, the leadership who often try to stand tall in advocating justice and equality for all must rise to the occasion. Lately, we have seen religious fanatics backstabbing the pride of the nation by acting like barbarians in this modern world. Hatred and animosity has no place in a fast modernization and civilization.
The arrest of our two sisters Preeti Mary and Vandana Francis at Durg Railway Station in Chhattisgarh is a shameful act by the authority who were influenced by a false narration and acted on a staged and false accusation. It is not only a bias act but an utter cowardly act to please the majority religion. The only crime our two sisters have committed is the crime of courage when we are are feeding people with political speeches. They stepped in with a human heart that humanity need help and direction. It is in this context, they were falsely accused which magnified the failure of the system to the weak and the poor. Their courage and good deeds were framed by those reckless-prejudiced-fanatics who have nothing to do but create confusion and malice in the civilized world. It has not only brought shame to the religious world but has roped the human conscience of compassion, love and care.
Religion, be it Christianity, Hinduism, Islam or any other, has in it to do good to humanity. And our two sisters were doing just that! In our part of the country, we do not do charity work base on religion, caste or creed. Our only regret is, we do not do enough to make our world a better place. What happened to our two sisters is just a blatant and systematic persecution against minorities. When the authority act on any report of a certain religious group in the country, it is nothing less than endorsing violence and discrimination.
What happened in Chhattisgarh on July 25 is pure violation of individual rights to do good to humanity. It not only infringed on religious liberty and freedom to profess one’s faith but a crime against right thinking citizens of the country. It has brought shame not only to modern India as it claimed to be but shame on law enforcing authority who acted on mere suspicion. A mere report made them to forget the book of law under which they function to maintain law and civic order. The state leadership must take the responsibility to own apology to religious community to which our two sisters belong and also to the entire humanity who act on our behalf to make our world a better place.
May we remind our nation that, we are not faring well in the international arena because what has been happening in our country has been happening too often. If you are sensitive enough, it is time to realize that every act against humanity and particularly towards religious minority is watched by the world. While the world sees love, compassion and care, hate sees differently. Therefore, it is now time that the authority swiftly act to put this things to a stop!
Finally, may we ask the group who framed false accusation and report: What did you see in the action of our two sisters? Was their act so mighty that it brought jealousy to you that you have to resort to false accusation? Did they take your place of doing good that you have to repay with hatred and demean their dignity and pride in showing compassion?
In a situation such as this and many others, may peace rule in the lives of those whose faith are often put to test. May we ever stand steadfast not only in our faith but love more and forgive more and continue to do more. And to those in authority, may you look at our nation in the eyes of those who are often cornered and are harassed and persecuted because of their faith, caste and creed. We need more of our two sisters to act with compassionate heart in a world filled with inequality and discrimination against the destitute and the downtrodden. Let us be reminded, together, we can make our nation more beautiful, more tolerant and more peaceful. And to make this happen is to shun from hatred against each other. May we see our world in the eyes of our two sisters and show more compassion and not be cowed down to fear.
Rev. Dr. N. Paphino
President, NJCF
Rev. Dr. Moses Murry
Secretary, NJCF
Tuesday, August 26, 2025