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Kochi: Anthology documents nuns’ fight for justice

Kanneer Madhangal, on fight against bishop Franco, to be released Sept. 29.

Kochi: The release of a book on the historic demonstration of five Kerala nuns demanding the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal of Jalandhar diocese, accused of raping their colleague, will mark its first anniversary on September 29.

"The anthology titled Kanneer Madhangal (Teary Nunneries) in Malayalam is a unique contribution to the documentation of a historic struggle," says Ambika, its editor.

It also contains interviews with the nuns who took part in the 13-day struggle in Kochi which shed light on the dark side of nunneries.

"The description of the prison-like habitat by the nuns is a heart-wrenching experience," says C.R. Parameswaran, a writer and commentator, in his preface.

Ms Ambika, who also edits Malayalam journal Maruvakku, said the struggle needed to be documented for its unique character as it brought together people belonging to the divergent political and ideological spectrum.

"People from all over the state converged at the High Court Junction on their own triggering a new awakening on the oppression of women in society," she said.

The contributors to the book include B. Rajeevan, Benyamin, Fr Paul Thelakkat, Rosy Thampy, P. Geetha, K.C. Varghese and Fr Augustine Vattoly.

The book release will followed by a public meeting which will be attended by a slew of writers and social activists from all over the state.

The police arrested the bishop and charged with rape following the nearly two-week-long agitation.

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