The violence in Manipur has been described as a genocide and compared to the Gujarat riots by Thalassery archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany of the Syro-Malabar Church. Pamplany criticized the central and state governments for failing to curb the violence and expressed concern that Christian places of worship and houses were being specifically targeted. In light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement in the US that there is no discrimination in India, Pamplany challenged the PM to convince the Christians in Manipur by addressing their plight and ensuring their protection.
Cardinal George Alencherry, the major archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, also addressed the issue in a pastoral letter ahead of St. Thomas Day. He emphasized that the history of martyrs shows that no power on earth can dissuade a believer from their attachment to Christ. He mentioned the Christians who have been persecuted and martyred globally, including in Manipur, and urged believers to deal with their persecutors with mercy.
Regarding the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, Pamplany cautioned the government against proceeding unilaterally and creating fear among certain sections of society that their rights would be hampered. He stated that the UCC should be implemented after taking everyone into confidence and ensuring that individuals have the right to live according to their faith.
The BJP leaders in Kerala had previously seized on Pamplany’s statement regarding a minimum price for rubber as a sign of the Church’s warming up to the BJP. However, given the recent violence in Manipur, including attacks against Christians, many church factions in Kerala have questioned the handling of the situation by the Centre and the alleged silence of the PM on the issue.
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