Munambam Waqf land row snowballs into political issue amid by-elections in Kerala
Union Minister Suresh Gopi recently met the 610 families of Munambam village who are protesting against the Waqf board's claim over their land.
The Kerala Police, on Thursday, registered a complaint against Fr Thedocious D’Cruz, a Latin Catholic priest who is the convener of the Vizhinjam protest committee to take lead in the agitation against Vizhinjam Port, over his verbal remark on State Fisheries Minister V Abdurahman. Fr. D’Cruz said the name of the minister can be identified with that of a terrorist.
The Vizhinjam Police charged him with promoting religious enmity and causing disharmony between communities against the priest.
According to the First Information Report(FIR), Fr Thedocious’s remarks against the Minister was aimed at provoking the people and giving rise to communal polarization and insurgency.
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Fr Thedocious D’Cruz called Fisheries Minister V Abdurahiman, a terrorist. Responding to Minister Abdurahman’s statement at a programme that the Vizhinjam protestors were anti-national, Fr. D’Cruz, said the name of the minister can be compared with that of a terrorist.
On 29 November, Abdurahiman, during a government-sponsored programme to discuss the merits of the Vizhinjam Port, said no one with a love for the country would object to the port.
Meanwhile, the priest apologised for his comment against the minister. “I made the remark against the minister as I was emotionally disturbed by his comment that protest council members and fishermen are anti-nationals,” said Fr. D’Cruz.
“It was a slip of tongue. I withdraw my remarks unconditionally and tender sincere apologies. I regret creating a rift at a time when minorities should work hand in hand,” said Fr. D’Cruz in a statement. The Latin Church also apologised for the statement made by the priest. However, Minister Abdurahiman refused to accept the apology from Theodosius D’Cruz. He said even if it’s a written apology he would not accept the same.
“I do not need any certificate from anyone. But you cannot go to any extent because you are a loose tongue,” said Abdurahiman. Education Minister V Sivankutty also came out in support of the minister.
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