- 31 August, 2025
Vijayawada, August 5, 2025: Tensions arose in Vijayawada on Monday as police seized microphones being used by nuns and leaders of various Christian associations during a peaceful candle rally protesting the recent arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh. The rally began at Bishop Azariah School and was intended to proceed to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Smrithi Vanam.
Participants, including pastors, nuns, and members of the Federation of Churches, carried placards and candles as they marched in protest. However, the Suryaraopet police reportedly intercepted the group and prevented them from reaching their destination, citing a lack of official permission for the event.
Contradicting this, a leader from one of the organising associations asserted that prior police permission had indeed been obtained for the rally. “We had taken permission in advance. But a police officer stopped us mid-way, arguing there was no approval for the candle rally. Even after requesting to allow us to proceed to Smrithi Vanam, the police refused. The nuns eventually returned to Bishop Azariah School,” the leader explained.
South Zone Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) D. Paavan Kumar clarified the police action, stating that although a rally may have been allowed, the use of loudspeakers had not been permitted. “The organisers were using mikes, which caused inconvenience to the public, so we seized them,” the ACP said.
The incident has sparked criticism from Christian leaders. Vijayawada Catholic Diocese Mansignore and Federation of Churches executive secretary Muvvala Prasad, Bethel Ministries chairman S. Jaya Kumar, Gunadala Church Rector Fr. Eleti William Jaya Raju, along with nuns Suguna and Sundari, condemned the police action and demanded that all cases filed against the nuns be immediately withdrawn.
The rally, intended as a peaceful demonstration, has instead highlighted growing tensions and concerns over the right to protest and the treatment of minority groups.
Source : The Hindu
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