Nagaland Congress condemns attack on Catholic priests, calls for action against perpetrators

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has strongly condemned the attack on Catholic priests and laity by alleged Hindutva extremists in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on March 31, 2025. The party termed the assault on members of the Christian community, including Father Davis and Father George T, as “an outright violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India.”

In a statement issued by its Communications Department, the NPCC said it was “deeply disturbing that religious pilgrims from Mandla parish, who were peacefully exercising their right to faith and worship, were subjected to harassment and violence.

” The party also highlighted the “suspected involvement of Bajrang Dal activists” in the incident, alleging that they had unlawfully detained the priests and pilgrims “not once, but twice.”
“This underscores the growing atmosphere of intolerance and religious extremism in the region,” the NPCC asserted.

The party acknowledged the role of law enforcement in securing the release of the detained individuals but urged the Madhya Pradesh government to ensure justice. “We appreciate the police intervention in securing the release of the victims, but we urge the Government of Madhya Pradesh to take strict and immediate action against the perpetrators,” the statement read.

Additionally, the NPCC demanded “concrete measures to safeguard the rights of religious minorities and prevent such incidents in the future.” Calling for upholding India’s secular values, the party stated, “The NPCC stands in solidarity with the Catholic community of Madhya Pradesh and calls upon the esteemed State Government to uphold the principles of secularism and democracy by taking decisive action against the forces attempting to disrupt communal harmony.”

The party further emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We hope that swift legal action will be taken to restore the faith of the people in the rule of law and the protection of minority rights.”

MT