India: Cardinal pays tribute to murdered nun

Sister Valsa John

One of India's most senior Church leaders has paid a moving tribute to a murdered religious Sister who spent years championing the rights of the poor. Renewing calls for Sister Valsa John's killers to be brought to justice, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, described her as "fearless" and "a person of courage and faith who gave her life in service of the Gospel".

The 52-year-old Sister of Charity of Jesus and Mary (SCJM) was killed on 15 November when up to 50 people broke into her home in Pachuwara village, Jharkhand state, reportedly pulling her from her bed and attacking her with a scythe and other sharp weapons.

Sister Valsa had defended the rights of tribals living in the Pakur district, campaigning against land acquisition by coal firms operating in the area.

After a visit last week to Kerala state, south-west India, where he met friends and family of Sister Valsa, Cardinal Gracias said: "We are very proud of Sister Valsa. She seemed totally fearless.

"She had told her family that there were threats against her but that did not deter her.

Speaking of her strong commitment to the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in communion with the Holy See, the cardinal added: "She had faith in Our Lord and faith in the people."

Within days of the killing, police arrested seven people reportedly linked to Maoist extremists operating in the area. But Catholic sources in Jharkhand suspect that coal business leaders are implicated in the killing despite the presence of Maoist leaflets left at the crime spot. Senior figures in the local coal industry had clashed with Sister Valsa, who vigorously defended the rights of local people.

Stressing the need to bring the killers to justice, Cardinal Gracias told Aid to the Church in Need: "It seems that Moaists have been blamed but there are other reports suggesting the local coal industry was somehow involved.

"But we should not comment prematurely. We have to allow the police space and time to carry out their inquiries. We hope the situation will be clearer within a few days."

The cardinal, who is Archbishop of Bombay (Mumbai), said there were "question marks" hanging over the local police's handling of the murder case. But he added: "We do not want in any way to condemn what the police are doing. It is important that they are able to carry on their work quickly and effectively and bring about justice."

Sister Valsa, who had lived in Pachuwara for nearly 15 years, had taken up the cause of Santhali tribals who were being displaced by coal firms operating in the region. In 2007 she was arrested amid allegations that she had blocked roads in protest against a coal mine which was accused of illegally acquiring tribal lands.

Senior clergy in the region have described how she succeeded in obtaining compensation for families displaced from the area, as well as employment, education and medical help.

Source: ACN