'Narcotic Jihad | Can science and reason defeat religious polarisation in Kerala?'

[Sukla Sen]

<<It is rather surprising that in today’s Kerala the well-educated religious lot, the clergy, who are expected to have had a smattering of science, and who are expected to be the ones who see reason, are the ones who are raising the bogeys of ‘love jihad’ and ‘narcotic jihad’, notwithstanding the fact that probes by different agencies, including the National Investigation Agency, have debunked such allegations.

The clergy concerned, particularly the bishop of Pala and other priest(s) who have indulged in such rhetoric, may not necessarily have played on into the hands of the Sangh parivar, but have certainly touched the hearts and endeared themselves to the latter to the extent that the latter are ecstatic. Also, they have, along with other Right-wing groups, extolled the bishop of Pala, and have extended their support to him.

However, something that has been very heartening and positive in this dark and murky scenario has been the bold and defiant stand of a group of nuns who not only spoke out against the bishop, but also walked out of the mass of the priest who preached hate by going to the extent of beseeching his flock to boycott Muslims traders as also Muslim autorickshaw drivers.

One would not have been surprised if insinuations and allegations of ‘love jihad’ and ‘narcotic jihad’ were made by Right-wing extremist groups because it is, inevitably, their wont to do so. But coming from the clergy in a state which has historically seen relatively amicable and amiable relations between Muslims and Christians wherein they have prospered together, belies logic.>>

(Excerpted from: <https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/opinion/narcotic-jihad-can-science-and-reason-defeat-religious-polarisation-in-kerala-7490221.html>.)

[Sukla Sen]

From a Keralite friend (aligned with the CPI(M)?):

<<The provocative speech has come from the priest of a particular group of the catholic community. This group or sect or whatever one might call it is said to be the richest among the catholics in the state. The members of this group have business interests and they feel threatened by the upcoming muslim businessmen in many parts of the state.  Add to  this the prominence they want to maintain in kerala politics through various political parties  and one can get a clear picture of the underlying factors that prompt such outbursts.

      Most importantly, one has to take note of the fact that all-religious meetings have been held in the state where the need to maintain amity between all religions has been emphasised. None of the other christian groups  have endrosed the views of the bishop of  Palai. In fact many of them have rejected the claims about jihad and called upon their followers not to attribute narcotic usage to any religion.>>

Also relevant: 

I/III. < https://indianexpress-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-kerala-bishop-mar-joseph-kallarangatt-love-and-narcotic-jihad-theory-row-7522619/lite/>.

II/III. <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/priest-cautions-against-christian-girls-being-lured-by-ezhava-boys/article36552349.ece>.

III. <https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/thiruvananthapuram/christians-at-forefront-of-conversions-love-jihad-nda-ally-leader-7523518/>.

It's, however, the Bishop who appears to have attracted way more attention - also more support and brickbats, than any other accuser.

So much so that the Chief Minister himself opted to open his mouth to justify non-action by the state against him (on, evidently, spurious grounds).

Sukla