Soroj Mullick SDB –
Krishnanagar: A powerful peace rally unfolded on Monday in the heart of Krishnanagar Diocese in West Bengal as hundreds gathered to voice their demand for justice and protection of minority rights following the recent arrest of two nuns at Durg railway station in Chhattisgarh. The nuns, whose detainment sparked widespread concern within the Christian community, were recently granted bail under stringent conditions, prompting renewed calls for accountability and religious freedom.
The rally commenced with hymns and prayers at the stately Cathedral Church. Participants included priests, nuns, novices, candidates, boarding students, and lay parishioners from across the diocese. The atmosphere was solemn yet resolute as the procession, led by the Parish Priest, Fr. Rakesh Biswas, made its way toward the Office of the District Administration. Their journey culminated at Don Bosco School, Krishnanagar, where a large assembly gathered for a moving prayer meeting.
Throughout the procession, placards bearing messages such as “We Want Justice,” “Uphold Minority Rights,” and “Peace for All Faiths” bore testament to the community’s call for dignity and respect. The rallyists walked in unity—young and old, clergy and laity—demonstrating a desire not just for the release of the nuns but for broader safeguarding of the right to practice one’s faith without fear or condition.
Fr. Rakesh Biswas offered a special prayer for those who persecute Christians, urging for change of heart among fundamentalists and an end to all violence perpetrated in the name of alleged conversion. “Our protest is not just for our sisters but for every individual whose freedom of religion is threatened,” he said, addressing the gathering. “We invoke peace and justice for all communities.”
The arrest in Chhattisgarh, occurring as the two nuns traveled through Durg railway station, has been criticized by Church authorities and rights groups as emblematic of a worrying rise in hostility against Christians and other minorities. Although the bail order brought temporary relief, the strict conditions imposed and the climate of suspicion surrounding the case have fueled concerns about religious liberty and minority protection.
This rally in Krishnanagar is the latest in a series of peaceful protests being organized by Christian communities nationwide. These demonstrations—characterized by prayer, solidarity, and calls for nonviolence—seek to raise awareness about ongoing attacks and discrimination, particularly the increasing number of incidents linked to accusations of forced conversion.
As the assembly concluded at Don Bosco School, participants resolved to continue their peaceful struggle for justice and the right to profess, practice, and propagate their faith. Local Church leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and the role of civil society in standing up for the rights of all minorities.
The Diocese of Krishnanagar remains steadfast in its appeal for justice, peace, and the restoration of trust among communities. Today’s rally sent a clear message: the Christian community will not be silenced in its quest for rights and will continue to advocate for a society founded on respect, inclusion, and harmony for all.