 |
|
The Catholic Church in Kerala is escalating its protests against the Munambam land dispute, despite efforts by political parties to ease tensions. The Syro-Malabar Church held protest gatherings in over 1,500 parishes across the state on November 10th, 2024, following Sunday Mass. These demonstrations, organized by the All Kerala Catholic Congress (AKCC), the official community organization of the church, aimed to express solidarity with the Munambam protesters.
A significant gathering, known as 'Nasrani Sangamam,' was held in Alappuzha, attracting over 5,000 members of the AKCC, led by Major Archbishop Emeritus George Alencherry. Biju Sebastian, president of the Catholic Congress in the Changanassery Diocese, emphasized their commitment to continuing protests until the Munambam issue is resolved justly. He confirmed that resolutions were read and pledges taken during parish-level protests, with some parishes also organizing public conventions to raise awareness of the cause.
The AKCC, according to Sebastian, has lost faith in mainstream political parties regarding the Munambam dispute and has chosen to independently pressure authorities. Following the Sunday protests, the AKCC will submit memorandums to all 140 State legislators and 20 parliamentary members. A top church official highlighted the Church's intention to develop the Catholic Congress into a substantial pressure group within Kerala's political landscape, aiming to influence the authorities and political parties on the Munambam issue. He stressed the need for a unified stance with the Munambam victims, emphasizing that neither the ruling coalition nor the Opposition has provided a clear position on the Waqf Board's involvement in the dispute.
Political parties, particularly those reliant on Catholic support from central Travancore, are increasingly concerned about the Church's hardening stance on the Munambam issue. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has actively amplified the Church's concerns regarding Munambam. The statement by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, urging the people of Munambam to reconsider their long-standing political allegiances, has further heightened concerns among political parties.
With byelections looming in three constituencies, including Wayanad, where Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is making her electoral debut, political parties are wary of the potential impact of the Church's stance on the outcome of these elections. The Catholic Church's influence holds significant weight in Wayanad, making the Church's stance a crucial factor in the upcoming elections. The ongoing protests and the Church's call for a united stance with the Munambam victims could influence the political landscape in Kerala, particularly in regions with a substantial Catholic population.