Kolkata (AsiaNews) – A serious case of intimidation against the community of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, has reignited the debate over the protection of religious freedom in the Indian state of West Bengal.
According to the congregation, last Sunday, a group of about 60 people broke into the Auxilium convent in Barasat, demanding the immediate demolition of a memorial chapel and the community cemetery, both under construction.
The attackers allegedly threatened the nuns with physical violence if the work was not halted.
The nuns explained that the project had been duly authorised by the competent authorities and that all necessary permits had been obtained before construction began, under the previous state administration.
However, following a change of state government, now led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Hindu nationalist party of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the project has become the source of controversy.
According to several sources, the group involved in the incident is linked to Jagarana Manch, a Hindu nationalist organisation.
In a statement released today, Eugene Gonsalves, former national president of the All-India Catholic Union and the Catholic Association of Bengal, expressed deep concern over the threats made against the nuns, calling the incident a serious attack on religious freedom, guaranteed by Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
Gonsalves noted the long-standing service the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians provide to the local community through schools, healthcare work, and welfare services, offered to everyone, without religious discrimination.
He firmly condemned any attempt to intimidate the community and hinder the construction of properly authorised places of worship and burial.
The AICU’s former president appealed to the authorities to open an immediate investigation, identify those responsible, and ensure the safety of the nuns and residents of the facility.
He also called on the state government to ensure compliance with the law and the protection of legally recognised religious properties, urging all citizens to preserve peace and harmony among the different religious communities.
The incident comes amid a recent wave of violence against Christians in West Bengal.
Other incidents were reported on 5 July in the towns of Murshidabad, Bankura, Subhas Gram, and Faridpur, involving the intimidation of a Christian widow, the disruption of a prayer meeting, vandalism against a church, and the attack on a community of believers.
The Catholic community hopes for swift intervention by the government to ensure safety, legality, and full respect for religious freedom.
