Church, BJP back Bishop of Pala, Congress softens criticism – The New Indian Express

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By express news service

KOCHI / TPURAM: Allegation of narcotics jihad sparking heated debates in state and beyond, Catholic Church has backed Bishop of Pala saying his remarks should not be controversial as it is a fact that Kerala is facing a serious social crisis.

However, with more and more Christian organizations supporting Bishop of Pala Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Congress has decided to moderate its criticism. The BJP, which had called for an investigation into the allegation, joined the bishop, Union Minister of State for Foreign Affairs V Muraleedharan, saying the chief minister and head of the opposition have become spokespersons for the jihadists.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council said: Following warnings from international agencies about the presence of terrorist groups, including ISIS, in the state and the seizure of crores worth narcotics, the bishop’s remarks raising concern and warning young people should not be controversial.

It is a fact that Kerala is facing a serious social crisis. The presence of terrorist organizations and the sharp increase in drug use are the most important. Although the mainstream media does not give due weight to these issues, the various daily news and events reported clarify these facts, KCBC deputy secretary and spokesperson Father Jacob Palackappilly said in the statement.

These serious challenges facing Kerala society are not accusing any community. The apprehension that the discussions on this subject will have a community touch is also misplaced. Rather, community leaders should take responsibility for solving the problem, maintaining community harmony. The Catholic Church believes in social unity and peaceful coexistence. We must all unite with one voice against these threats to our society, with the broader goal of community harmony, KCBC said.

The Hindu community is worried, says BJP; Sangh Parivars agenda: Congress

Congress leaders VD Satheesan and PT Thomas had criticized the Bishop of Pala on Friday for saying he crossed the line, but the former relaxed his stance on Saturday after more Christian organizations and a section of the party backed the ‘bishop. Instead, he criticized Sangh Parivar. Satheesan alleged in Kochi that narcotic jihad is Sangh Parivar’s agenda aimed at creating divisions between the Christian and Muslim communities. Urging to tone down the attacks on the Bishop of Pala, Satheesan said the problem should not be allowed to escalate or the company will witness a disruption.

Speaking to reporters in the capital on Saturday, Muraleedharan said the bishop was not humiliating the Muslim community as a whole. If the Bishop of Pala had humiliated the Muslim community as a whole by launching narcotic jihad, then that is not fair. Instead, he only spoke of a small group of people, who approve of jihadist activities. The Hindu community is also worried about what the bishop said. He authoritatively said that with the jihad of love, narcotic jihad is also prevalent, Muraleedharan said.

He said, however, that he will know whether the central government is aware of the presence of narcotic jihad in the state or not. He also asked to know the position of Kerala Congress (Mani) leader Jose K Mani on narcotic jihad. Just before the assembly elections, José had called for the jihad of love to be addressed. But a day later, under pressure from various quarters, he withdrew his controversial statement.

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