KOCHI: A day after Pala (Kerala) bishop Joseph Kallarangatt's remarks on "narcotic jihad", the Congress termed it "unfortunate", which has "badly affected the social fabric".
"The statement is unfortunate. It has badly affected the social fabric of Kerala. We don't know on what grounds he made those remarks," ANI quoted Kerala PCC working president PT Thomas as saying on Friday.
He added, "I humbly request that no one should give too much support to destroy our value of communal harmony."
"We strongly condemn these statements. We ought to try to keep communal harmony in our states intact," Thomas said.
BJP state chief K Surendran supports bishop
However, BJP state chief K Surendran came out supporting the bishop, belonging to the prominent Syro-Malabar Church, saying that what he had said was a "serious issue" which the society should discuss and analyse.
"What the Bishop has said is based on his own experience. It is a serious issue which should be discussed without any prejudice. Why certain people are afraid of debate?" PTI quoted him as telling reporters.
