Nun from Meghalaya ‘harassed’ in Assam
TURA: A distressing incident unfolded on February 17 when Sister Rosemary, a nun from St John’s Parish in Tura, Meghalaya, was subjected to harassment in Goalpara, Assam.
According to a statement released by the Auxiliary Bishop of Tura, Sister Rosemary, who serves at St John’s Parish in Siju, West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya had embarked on a journey from Dudnai to Goalpara in Assam.
However, during the bus ride at around 11:00 am, she encountered derogatory remarks from the bus conductor and some passengers directed towards her religious habit and faith.
The situation escalated when the bus was stopped at an isolated location, and Sister Rosemary was compelled to disembark.
The distressing ordeal inflicted severe mental anguish and harassment upon Sister Rosemary, both as a woman and a religious individual.
With the assistance of others, she managed to board another bus to continue her journey to Goalpara in Assam.
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Expressing concern over the incident, the Auxiliary Bishop emphasized that Assam is home to numerous religious priests and nuns, who wear their religious attire without incident, echoing sentiments that harassment based on attire or religious symbols is unjustifiable.
Attributing such incidents to false narratives and propaganda against specific religions, the Bishop urged authorities to take proactive measures to combat such divisive rhetoric and foster social and religious harmony.
Highlighting the frequent travel of individuals from Meghalaya to Assam for various purposes, including medical care and marketing, the Bishop emphasized the need for mutual respect and tolerance.
He called upon the Meghalaya government to engage with its Assam counterpart to address the incident and prevent its recurrence, underscoring the importance of maintaining peaceful coexistence among citizens.