Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has strongly condemned the recent detention of two Catholic nuns and three tribal women in Chhattisgarh, describing it as a serious violation of their fundamental rights. In a public statement, the Chief Minister said, “The detention of two Catholic nuns and three tribal women in Chhattisgarh is deeply troubling. It is a grave violation of their fundamental rights – freedom of movement, dignity, and religion – as guaranteed by the Constitution of India. I call for an impartial investigation.”
According to reports, the five women were taken into custody by local authorities in a remote area of Chhattisgarh, allegedly without proper legal procedure. Preliminary information suggests that the detention may be linked to unverified accusations of religious conversion, a charge that has often been misused in several parts of the country to target minority communities.
Legal experts and human rights activists have raised concerns over the incident, highlighting violations of constitutional rights such as Article 19 (freedom of movement), Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty), and Article 25 (freedom of religion). The episode has drawn criticism from church bodies, civil rights organizations, and tribal advocacy groups, who are calling for the immediate release of the women and a judicial probe into the circumstances surrounding their detention.
The All India Catholic Union has also issued a strong statement, denouncing the action as “an orchestrated effort to harass Christian and tribal communities.” They emphasized that many religious and community-based organizations provide essential services in underserved regions and should not be criminalized for their humanitarian efforts.
Chief Minister Rio’s condemnation is being viewed as a principled stand at a time when silence and selective outrage are becoming common in the face of constitutional violations. His statement underscores the importance of standing up for democratic values and the rule of law, especially when vulnerable groups are targeted.
As calls for justice grow louder, all eyes are now on the Chhattisgarh administration and central authorities to ensure accountability and uphold the constitutional rights of every citizen, regardless of their faith or background.
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