(ZENIT News / Meghalaya, 02.27.2024).- In an incident that has sparked outrage in the Christian community of Meghalaya, a nun was humiliated and expelled from a bus due to her religious habit and Catholic faith. The Diocese of Tura, in northeastern India, has raised its voice against this act of intolerance and demanded justice.
The incident occurred on February 17, when Sister Rose Mary, belonging to the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales, was forced to disembark from the bus on her way from Duhnoi in Meghalaya to the Goalpara area in the neighboring state of Assam. Despite having a valid ticket, the nun was subjected to mockery by the passengers, mostly Hindus, before being forcibly expelled from the vehicle.
Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, José Chirackal, expressed his concern over this regrettable episode and called for an investigation by the state government. He noted that the nun was subjected to derogatory remarks and mockery due to her religious habit, leaving her traumatized.
Meghalaya, with a Christian majority, has witnessed an increase in threats and harassment against the Christian minority by hardline Hindu groups. The ruling party in Assam, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been criticized for its pro-Hindu stance and its failure to take action against these incidents of religious intolerance.
Christian leaders have expressed dismay at the state government and police’s inaction in addressing such incidents. Despite complaints filed, no action has been taken against those responsible for harassing the nun.
Legislator Charles Pyngrope of the opposition Congress Trinamool party has raised this issue in the state Assembly, urging the chief minister to take action against the harassment of religious individuals wearing their religious attire.
In response to this situation, the Meghalaya government has promised to take up the case with the Assam government to ensure that such acts of religious discrimination are not repeated. However, the Christian community is awaiting concrete actions to protect their rights and religious freedom in the region.
Thank you for reading our content. If you would like to receive ZENIT’s daily e-mail news, you can subscribe for free through this link.
