The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has revised its stance on the Manipur violence, stating that it is not a religious issue but rather a tribal conflict between two groups in the northeastern state.
In an interview with a Malayalam news channel, Mathrubhumi News on 12 June 2024, the head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, said, “The Manipur violence is not a religious conflict; it is a tribal conflict – a clash between two tribal groups in the state.”
This shift in position comes after the Church had earlier slammed the Union government over the violence in Manipur, with Mathews III himself voicing concerns about the attacks against Christians in the state.
However, the Church now maintains that the attacks on churches in Christian-dominated areas were a result of the clash between tribes, with one tribe likely destroying the shrines and properties of the other.
“It is natural for one tribe to destroy everything of another tribe, and they may have destroyed the shrines of other tribes,” Mathews III stated, adding that the Christian community need not be overly concerned about the situation.
When asked about the recent electoral results, he voiced satisfaction over the Modi government’s re-election, applauding the induction of two individuals from Kerala as Union Ministers, which he deemed a source of pride for the state.
While commenting on Suresh Gopi’s victory in Thrissur, he conceded that the popular actor-turned-politician might have garnered support from the Christian community in the constituency. Assessing the BJP’s political trajectory in Kerala, the bishop recognized the party’s modest electoral gains so far but chose not to conjecture about its future prospects in the state.
In a press release, the Church head said, “A true ruler is one who respects people from all walks of life equally and ensures their welfare. Secularism is the hallmark of India. This Church firmly believes that the new central government will protect secularism like an eyeball.”
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church’s revised position on the Manipur violence as a tribal conflict, rather than a religious riot, marks a significant shift from its earlier condemnation of the Union government’s handling of the situation.
(with inputs from The Statesman)
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