Kerala: Nuns walkout objecting hate speech against Muslims by priest
A group of four nuns from Kuravilangad in Kottayam reportedly walked out of the prayer hall on Sunday. They accused a Christian priest of spreading hate against Muslims during a prayer service at St. Francis Mission Home.
While addressing the media on 13th September, the group accused Rajeev, a priest of Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Penance, of spreading hate towards Muslims.
This incident has come into the light when Pala Bishop Joseph Kallarangatt’s “narcotic jihad” comment has already created enough havoc in the state.
The group of nuns includes Anupama Kelamangalathuveliyil, Alphy Pallasseril, Ancitta Urumbil, and Josephine Viloonickal. The group had also been vocal about rape charges against Bishop Franco Mulakkal and had held protests against the accused.
The nuns alleged that the priest had spewed venom against the Muslims earlier too, the group also said that people should not support statements like “love jihad” and “narcotic jihad” made by priests like Mar Joseph Kallarangatt.
“The priest during mass today (September 12) made a speech supporting the Pala Bishop, a speech that sowed the seeds for communalism. The priest in the speech said that things like vegetables should not be bought from Muslims and asked the congregation not to travel in the autorickshaws they drive. This is not the first time he has made such remarks. Earlier too, he had made similar remarks about Muslims. Today, we couldn't help but react and two of us walked out of the mass.” Sister Anupama was quoted saying by The News Minute.
She also said “What Christ has taught us is to love everyone, to love one's neighbors and not seed communalism. We reacted as we couldn't see it when the priest was saying things contradictory to what Christ teaches us.”
The group played a prominent role in the arrest of Bishop Franco in the year 2018. Bishop Franco was accused of rape and the group of nuns had organized an open protest in Kochi demanding justice for the victim.
On 9th September, Bishop Kallarangatt while addressing a church gathering said that non-muslims in the state are subjected to narcotic jihad. He also alleged that “narcotic jihad” involved spoiling the lives of non-muslims by turning them into drug addicts.
The baseless statements from the Bishop have led to heated discussions and arguments in the state. Kerala Chief Minister Pinnarayi Vijayan said that people holding responsible positions must not give religious colors to narcotics.
Leader of Opposition in Kerala VD Satheesan also condemned the statement made by Bishop Kallarangatt. He said that crimes have no caste, religion, or gender. It is wrong to blame one particular community for this.
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Biker injured, leopard dies in road accident near forest area in Shivamogga
Shivamogga: A leopard was killed after being hit by a motorcycle near Mandagadde in Thirthahalli taluk of Shivamogga district.
According to reports, the biker was travelling from Shivamogga towards Thirthahalli when the leopard suddenly came onto the road from a nearby forest area near Mandagadde. The rider is said to have lost control of the bike and crashed into the animal.
The leopard suffered severe injuries in the impact and died on the spot. The biker also fell onto the road along with the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries. He was shifted to a hospital in Shivamogga for further treatment.
After receiving information about the incident, forest department officials, including Gajanur RFO Vinay Kumar, visited the spot and conducted an inspection.
