‘Narcotic jihad’: Bishop crossed limits, feels Congress; medicine haven’t any faith, says Pinarayi

By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI : The controversy over Pala Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt’s ‘narcotic jihad’ comment took centre stage on Friday with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition chief V D Satheesan urging non secular and religious heads to not drive a wedge between folks.

BJP state president Ok Surendran, in the meantime, stated ‘narcotic jihad’, which the bishop stated was getting used to entice younger non-Muslim women, exists within the Kerala society, and the difficulty must be totally investigated.

Stating that he was listening to about ‘narcotic jihad’ for the primary time, the Chief Minister, in his night press convention, stated folks sitting in accountable positions ought to be extraordinarily cautious whereas commenting on delicate points. They ought to guarantee no division is created alongside non secular and communal strains by their remarks, he stated. “Drugs have no religion. It’s something that affects society as a whole, and it’s not something that affects a particular community or a group,” Pinarayi stated.

Earlier, senior Congress leaders Satheesan and P T Thomas additionally strongly criticised the bishop, saying he crossed the boundaries. “Kindly don’t make any statements that would break the peaceful atmosphere and the trust that exist between the people in the state,” Satheesan stated within the meeting.

“Religious leaders must exercise restraint and self-control. Unnecessary expressions of opinion will trigger animosity in society. Let us face the challenges together. Spiritual leadership should shed light on this, not spread darkness,” Satheesan stated. 

Surendran requires detailed probe into bishop’s ‘narcotic jihad’ prices

In a separate put up, MLA and state Congress working president P T Thomas stated the assertion by the bishop was not aimed toward creating communal concord. “Greed and monetary revenue are the principle causes behind any crime.

Criminals working collectively primarily based on castereligious grounds are very uncommon in these trendy occasions. The wedge that’s being created by the assertion (by the bishop) in society may be very harmful,” he stated, including that nobody ought to attempt to ignite a rift between two communities who’ve been residing peacefully always.

While Surendran referred to as for an in depth probe into the ‘narcotic jihad’ allegations, BJP nationwide govt committee member P Ok Krishnadas stated the social gathering couldn’t let anybody assault the bishop, who stated “the truth”. “Though the bishop raised a serious issue, the government and the chief minister were trying to cover the truth to protect the jihadis,” he stated.

Meanwhile, supporting the Pala bishop, Irinjalakuda Bishop Pauly Kannookkadan referred to as upon the folks to be vigilant in opposition to ‘love jihad’ and ‘narcotic jihad’. Kottayam Taluk Mahal Muslim Coordination Committee has lodged a grievance in opposition to the Pala bishop with the Kottayam district police chief. It stated the bishop’s assertion was aimed toward disturbing communal amity in society. The grievance requested the police to file a case in opposition to the bishop beneath 153-A of the Indian Penal Code.

Hindu Aikya Vedi helps Pala bishop

Kochi: Even as Pala diocese bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt is dealing with extreme criticism from varied corners for his assertion on “Love Jihad” and “Narcotic Jihad”, Hindu Aikya Vedi on Friday supported the prelate saying ‘his statement was a reality.’ Hindu Aikya Vedi state basic secretary R V Babu in a press release stated that the bishop’s assertion was a reality as there have been sure reviews on women being trapped by making them drug addicts.

“People who don’t want to accept the reality are criticising the bishop. Nobody can question the bishop’s responsibility in sensitising the faithful to remain alert on such issues. The state government is trying to turn its face from statements by two former DGPs on terrorist networks in Kerala. Those who speak openly against terrorism are labelled Sanghis,” he added.

(With inputs from Kottayam)