Thamarassery Diocese Alleges State Govt is Undermining Christians in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: In a strongly worded pastoral letter released ahead of a major rights declaration rally scheduled for April 5 at the Muthalakulam ground, the Thamarassery diocese of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church accused the state government of deliberately marginalising the Christian community and neglecting critical issues affecting its members.

A List of Grievances

The letter, which outlines ten key issues representing an ongoing crisis within the community, alleges that the government is systematically attempting to weaken the Christian presence in Kerala. Chief among these concerns is the delay in releasing the findings of the J B Koshy Commission—a panel set up in 2023 to examine the socio-economic challenges confronting Christians. According to the diocese, withholding the report’s conclusions appears to be a calculated move to sidestep pressing concerns raised by the community.

The pastoral letter also criticises the state’s approach to minority scholarships, claiming that eligible Christian students are being unfairly denied these benefits. In addition, the diocese condemned the government’s handling of the worsening human-wildlife conflict. It argued that insufficient scientific measures have been adopted to mitigate wildlife attacks, leaving farmers exposed and without proper support or timely compensation.

Government Response

Forest Minister A K Saseendran responded to the charges by criticising the diocese’s “selective” stance. “They have not uttered a word against the central government, which is systematically ignoring minority rights across the country. Their silence towards the Centre, while targeting the state, reveals where they stand,” Saseendran said.

Defending his department’s handling of the human-wildlife conflict, Saseendran highlighted that Kerala is the only state implementing a scheme that guarantees compensation within 48 hours of an incident. “The diocese is conveniently ignoring the fact that Kerala has been more proactive than most states in handling this issue. We have strengthened forest patrols, created barriers, and released funds for compensation. However, challenges persist due to the ecological complexities of the Western Ghats,” he added.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming rights declaration rally on April 5 is expected to intensify discussions on minority rights and government accountability. As the diocese prepares to take its grievances to a broader audience, the debate over the state government’s role in protecting religious and socio-economic interests in Kerala shows no signs of abating.

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