❗ BREAKING NEWS REPORT ❗

Source: Indian Currents | Reported by Pilgrim Echoes

“Defend, Not Demonise Christians” – Senior Journalist A.J. Philip’s Open Letter to Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Goes Viral

Raipur, Chhattisgarh | August 3, 2025

In a bold and heartfelt open letter titled “Defend, Not Demonise Christians,” veteran journalist and columnist A.J. Philip has sharply criticized Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for the recent arrest of two Catholic nuns and a tribal youth at Durg railway station, accusing the state machinery of enabling mob vigilantism and undermining constitutional justice.

The letter, published in Indian Currents, calls for an impartial investigation into the incident and urges the Chief Minister to “listen, not label” Christian workers, especially those serving the poor and tribal communities of India.

Key Points from the Letter:

🔹 

“Convert their lives, not their religion”

“I do this to convert their lives,” Philip writes, defending the nuns who were accompanying tribal girls for nursing education. “Their only ‘crime’ was to help young girls find a better life.”

🔹 

State’s Machinery Failed Justice

He questions the inaction of police as nuns were “heckled, abused, and even physically handled.” He notes with concern:

“Even after the girls’ parents confirmed in writing that their daughters were willingly going, the police persisted as if a serious crime had been uncovered.”

🔹 

A CM’s Tweet that Prejudged the Case

Philip calls out the CM’s tweet: “This appears to be a case of human trafficking under the guise of conversion by luring,” saying:

“Those words — ‘this appears’ — are telling. They imply uncertainty. Yet you tweeted, casting aspersions from the highest office in the state.”

🔹 

Constitution vs. Mob Justice

“As Chief Minister, your oath was to the Constitution — not to a party or ideology. What happened in Durg was not justice. It was a travesty.”

🔹 

India’s Legacy of Conversions by Choice

Reminding that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar himself chose to convert to Buddhism, he asks:

“Did Ambedkar and his followers become traitors? Of course not.”

Condemns Rising Christian Harassment:

Philip highlights a broader pattern of increasing hostility:

“Today, it’s Catholic nuns. Tomorrow, it could be social workers, teachers, doctors, or journalists.”

He cites Kandhamal (2008) and the imprisonment and death of Fr. Stan Swamy as tragic examples of how Christian service is often misunderstood and criminalized.

Challenge to the Chief Minister:

“You hold power today. But history is not kind to those who misuse it. If you fear conversions, then outdo the missionaries — with better schools, better hospitals, better justice.”

A Call to Listen, Understand, and Transform:

“You still have a chance to correct course. Order an impartial inquiry. Affirm your commitment to rule of law. And perhaps… meet the nuns and the girls.”

Conclusion:

The letter closes with a challenge rooted in India’s constitutional values:

“Our Constitution begins with ‘We the people.’ Not ‘We the Hindus,’ ‘We the tribals,’ or ‘We the majority.’ If you believe in Ambedkar’s vision, then your duty is to protect the right of every citizen to choose their path, speak their language, and worship their God.”

📰 Courtesy: Indian Currents

📩 Email of author: ajphilip@gmail.com

🛑 For more updates and exclusive reports on Christian rights and justice in India, follow Pilgrim Echoes