Saji Cherian Refuses to Change his Stance on Manipur
Image Source: Kerala Kaumudi
Kerala’s Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian refused to withdraw his statement criticizing Christian priests for not breaking their silence on the Manipur violence during the Christmas program, which was organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I will not change my political stance; Minorities are being increasingly targeted in this country. The lunch with the Prime Minister was an opportune moment for Christian leaders to raise the Manipur issue.” He added.
However, the Minister withdrew his cake and wine remark that ‘some bishops were thrilled when the BJP invited them for a feast, and they forgot the Manipur issue when they had grape juice and cake.’
The Minister expressed his regret over the wrong choice of words against the top priests in a hastily called press conference; already, he was prepared with statistics of the attacks on Christians to secure the political position he tried to convey in his controversial speech. He quoted data from the United Christian Forum; he further stated that Christians in the country had to face 700 communal attacks in the past year, with 287 of them in the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh.
“The number of attacks on Christians was 140 in 2014. In the nine years of BJP rule, it increased sharply. In the international scenario, India has ranked 11th in the attacks on Christians,” Cherian said.
“Those who love the minority communities have an obligation to protect them. I raised my criticism as I felt the stance taken against BJP’s approach towards minorities was not enough. Those who participated in the Prime Minister’s Christmas lunch could have requested him to intervene in the Manipur issue and address their concerns in an amicable manner. I stand firm on that political stance,” he said.
While responding to Opposition Leader VD Satheesan’s criticism of Cherian’s choice of words, the minister challenged the Congress leader to make a clear stance of his party’s state unit present in Manipur.
The Archbishop and Kerala Catholic Bishop Council (KCBC) president Cardinal Mar Baselios Cleemis stated that the Church will not cooperate with the State government on any matter until the Minister withdraws his remarks and offers an explanation.
While reacting to the controversy, CPM State Secretary MV Govindan has said that he will examine the Church’s resentment and take necessary steps to resolve it.
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