KOTTAYAM: Kerala Congress (M) chairmanJose K Mani broke his silence over the “narcotics Jihad” remarks by Pala bishop Mar Joseph Kalarangatt and defended him in a statement on Sunday. He said that the bishop had only pointed out that the use of narcotics is a social evil and had hence cautioned the society to remain alert.
“The church leadership has always carried out the responsibility of creating awareness among the faithful as well as the public against social evils. The resistance formed against dowry and caste discrimination must be considered to take on the narcotic mafia as well. The bishop’s call to remain vigilant is helpful for this and those who are complaining about the bishop are trying to destroy the communal harmony and peace in Kerala. This should be opposed,” said Mani.
He said misinterpreting the statements of the bishop is against the common good of the society. There is no dispute that narcotics is the biggest threat that the state faces now. He also said that a joint effort should be made to maintain communal harmony in the state.
