Kottayam: After several years of allegations of 'Love Jihad', primarily from the side of BJP leaders, the Church is also joining the rhetoric, this time through coining of a new word, 'Narcotics Jihad'. It is an irony that when World Catholic leader Pope Francis proclaimed for universal, all religion brotherhood, one of his disciple, Pala Bishop, Mar Joseph Kallarangat, pointed his fingers at a particular religion and alleged that Christian young women have been lured to the psychedelic world of narcotics before them being converted.
His controversial remarks came two days ago when he addressed the believers as part of the eight day lent of St. Mary. He also echoed his concerns over increasing cases of love jihad. This has kicked up a big controversy in Kerala and comments supporting and against the remarks are flooding the social media.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, when asked about these remarks, said that he was hearing the term narcotics jihad for the first time and dismissed the Bishop's remarks saying that there is no religion for narcotic drugs and it is an anti-social activity. He also noted that no religion would encourage the use of drugs.
Now many religious and political organisations have taken up this debate, with many seriously criticising the views of the Bishop as a inflammatory statement that would adversely affect the religious harmony in the state.
Bishop said there were efforts from a particular religion to popularise use of drugs among Christian youths and claiming there is no love jihad is like closing your eyes to think of its darkness around. He said those who dismiss the allegations of love jihad have vested interests.
Opposition leader VD Satheeshan had come down heavily against the claims of the Bishop and accused the Sangh Parivar activists for fanning the fire. He said there were several fake social media accounts that had been trying to create tension between two religions by posting propaganda posts.
K Surendran, BJP state president was also quick to join, supporting the Bishop and said he would have made those remarks based on his personal experience and these allegations should be investigated thoroughly. Kerala BJP even shot a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting him to order an investigation into these allegations.
Also Read: BJP condones Kerala bishop's controversial remarks
Several Christian religious heads have also come in support of Pala Bishop. Pala assistant Bishop, Jacob Murikkan was the first to come in support and said the activities of a minority group that uses the name of the religion to propagate religious extremism and anti-social activities should be viewed seriously. He even went to the extent of describing the words of the Bishop as the future voice of the prophet. Following this, the Iringalakkuda and Changanassery dioceses also came in support of Pala Bishop.
Islamic groups react
Muslim organisations came out with a reaction after a day of controversial statements. The official organ of Samasta, Suprabatham came out with an editorial titled "Poison spitting tongues and minds that remain mute'. It accused Bishop of propagating anti-Islam sentiments. Organisations like SDPI also spoke against the controversial remarks. There was a public protest against the Bishop at Erattupetta in Kottayam.
Deepika, the pro-Christian daily, came out with an editorial supporting the claims of the Bishop. 'Shouldn't one talk about the unpleasant truths?' was the heading of the editorial in Deepika. The editorial claims that there was evidence to whatever said by him and it was the duty of the police to investigate the case.
LDF and UDF in a limbo
Christians and Muslims in Kerala are the two biggest vote banks. There is considerable support among them for both UDF and LDF. The approach of both the political fronts towards these groups reflect well in election results as well. However, both the fronts would like to carefully tread the path, taking both the communities together. It should be noted that VD Satheeshan and PT Thomas from Congress were the first to come out against the remarks of Bishop. However, when the controversy turned two days old, they both withdrew from making any public statements. VD Satheshan also tried to get political mileage out of it by turning this controversy into one that is against the present government. Two major constituents of UDF, Kerala Congress (Jacob) and Kerala Congress (Joseph) factions openly supported the Bishop.
Also Read: Kerala bishop stirs up row, says Catholic youth targetted by love, narcotic 'jihad'
They said the protest is unwarranted and demanded that efforts should be taken to allay the concerns of the Bishop.
Muslim League is yet to react on this controversy. LDF is also taking a cautious stand though they had taken a stand alleging that the remarks of the Bishop would spoil the religious harmony in the state. However, LDF is also now staying away from making public remarks.
BJP is one party that is trying to make the most of the given opportunity with BJP leaders like P S Sreedharan Pillai openly supporting the Bishop and demanding a detailed investigation. BJP leaders even went to the Bishop House in Pala and extended their full support. Sreedharan Pillai said he had discussed the issue in detail with the Prime Minister.
Nonetheless, these remarks have definitely made a visible split among two religious groups and the debate is going to go on with a adverse impact on the peaceful co-existence in Kerala. When Marpappa returns to the Vatican after addressing the religious heads in Hungary, giving out a message of Universal brotherhood, Kerala is busy discussing love jihad and narcotics jihad, creating tension among two of the world's largest religious groups.
