Ranchi: Christian Community’s silent protest against religious harassment, false conversion charges

Mail News Service

Ranchi, Aug 17: The Christian community in Ranchi organized a silent procession on Sunday to protest the alleged wrongful imprisonment of nuns and tribal youths on false charges of religious conversion at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh. The march was held under the banner of All Churches Committee and saw large participation from people across denominations, all standing in solidarity against what they called an attack on religious freedom.

The procession began around 1:00 PM from the GEL Church premises, where Moderator Marshal Kerketta led a prayer before the march commenced. Holding placards and banners, the participants walked silently through Main Road, Albert Ekka Chowk, and culminated their rally outside the Raj Bhavan, where it turned into a peaceful meeting.

Christian leaders strongly condemned the incident and voiced concerns over rising intolerance and violations of minority rights.
Archbishop Vincent Aind said, “India is a land of diversity, but in some states, the rights of minorities are being suppressed. This protest is for justice and the protection of human rights.”

Marshall Kerketta called the incident a blow to both religious freedom and humanity, stating that the Christian community, despite serving society through education and health care, continued to face discrimination.

Bishop BB Baskey of CNI Church warned that if such incidents were repeated, the entire Church community would launch a massive movement.
Bishop Nistar Kujur of NWGEL Church emphasized that religious freedom was a constitutional right and demanded the government uphold justice, peace, and security.

Other leaders, including All Churches Committee Secretary Joljas Kujur, Chairman Kuldeep Tirkey, and Coordinator Sunil Khalkho, demanded that anti-constitutional acts must stop, and innocent individuals must be granted justice. They warned that continued violations of minority rights would escalate the movement to a larger scale. (w/gsd)