The arrest of two Keralite nuns on charges of kidnapping, human trafficking, and forced conversion in Chhattisgarh is a blot on democratic India, besides a challenge to the religious freedom accorded by the Constitution, N. Arun, Ernakulam district secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), has said.The Kerala government will intervene to ensure the release of the nuns, he said in a communication after visiting the house of Sister Preethi Mary at Elvaoor, Angamaly, on Monday.He alleged that Christians were facing repeated incidents of attacks under the Bharatiya Janata Party rule at the Centre. Fascist forces were deploying a strategy to create a divide between various religious groups to foster their vested interests, he alleged.Mr. Arun alleged that a section of the Church leadership, including in Kerala, had taken a soft stance against the fascist ideals of the Sangh Parivar. They need to re-think on whether they should aid the interests of such forces, he said.Published - July 28, 2025 08:23 pm IST