Kerala bishop stirs up row, says Catholic youth targetted by love, narcotic 'jihad'

It is pertinent to note here that the statement by the Mar Joseph Kallarangatt of Syro Malabar Eparchy of Palai comes amid a growing crisis and factionalism in the Syro Malabar church in Kerala over liturgical practices. He also made remarks portraying a certain community in a bad light. The Palai bishop also warned Catholic families to exercise caution against alleged criminal agendas of members of a certain religious community.

Kottayam:A Catholic Bishop on Thursday kicked up a row alleging Christian girls especially Catholics are falling prey to 'narcotic jihad' and 'love jihad' in Kerala.

The controversial statement was made by Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt of Syro Malabar Eparchy of Palai, alleging that "a group of people in Kerala is providing assistance to the perpetrators."

Speaking at the feast of St. Mary's nativity at Kuravilangad Church, the Bishop said that the 'Jihadi' groups are aiming to destroy others.

"Wherever arms cannot be used, the extremists are using love jihad and narcotic jihad as a weapon to pull down people from other communities. We can easily grasp it if we look at how the (some) women reached in ISIS camps," said Mar Joseph Kallarangatt.

Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt alleged the increased use of narcotics among Catholic youths is a result of such methods. He added that rejecting the prevalence of 'narcotic jihad' is tantamount to wilful dismission of facts.

The Bishop also made remarks portraying a certain community in a bad light. The Palai bishop also warned Catholic families to exercise caution against alleged criminal agendas of members of a certain religious community.

It is pertinent to note here that the statement by the Bishop comes amid growing crisis and factionalism in the Syro Malabar church in Kerala over liturgical practices.