Kochi, Sep 12 (UNI) Affirming that there was no question of compromise or giving up from their ongoing agitation demanding the arrest of Franco Mulakkal, Head of the Jalandhar diocese, who allegedly sexually harassed a nun, nuns from the missionaries of Jesus congregation, who started a fast at vanchi square at High Court Junction warned that they would go ahead with the agitation with more vigour until they get justice.
‘’We will go to any extent as part of the agitation and there is no question of giving up, till we get justice and arrest of Bishop,’’ Sister Anupama, one of the five sisters who is taking part in the fast to get justice to their colleague told UNI on Wednesday.
‘’We will go with our fast until we get justice, even if we dispelled from the missionary,’’ she added.
On the reported statement of Bishop Mulakkal that the fast was nothing but a conspiracy against him, the sister said if he is innocent why do he make complaint against me, the victim’s sister and our family?’’
Replying to another question, sister Anupama said that ‘’If the church authorities rendered justice it could have been ended in the convent itself and there was no need to come to the street.’’
Asked about whether the government and the police were helping the Bishop, she said ‘’we feel that they are protecting him.’’
We are being questioned by the police all the time, but the Bishop was questioned only once, she said and expressed her doubt about police support to the alleged accused.
As the strike entered the fifth day, people from all walks of life, including from writers, cultural leaders, politicians, social workers, film personalities and students unions visited the venue in large numbers, expressing their solidarity to the agitating nuns, their genuine demand for justice and take action against the priest, which boosted their confidence.
Meanwhile, Kerala police issued a notice to Bishop Mulakkal to appear before the police on September 19.
Five nuns from the missionaries of Jesus congregation, along with others began the protest on Saturday last, demanding the arrest of Jalandhar Bishop Mulakkal.
UNI CGV CS 1800