'Kerala in explosive situation, liquor flowing; films glorifying drugs need censorship' – Catholicos

Kochi: Kerala is in an "explosive situation," Orthodox Church head Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Catholicos said Sunday, warning against the increasing availability of liquor in the state.

"Despite the easy access to alcohol, authorities are working to further increase its flow, which is not the right approach. The government must urgently implement action plans to address the issue," he said. He also called for censorship on films that glorify drugs and alcohol.

The Church leader made the remarks while speaking at the Kandanad West Diocesan Day celebrations in Kochi.

"God's own country is turning into the devil's own land. It is the responsibility of the Church to respond to evils in society. News of infants and mothers being killed is terrifying. The root cause of all this is alcohol and drugs," he said.

On the controversial brewery issue, the Catholicos said the Church would intervene whenever corrections are required. The younger generation is under immense mental stress and has turned into pressure cookers ready to explode at any moment. There is a need for an in-depth study into what is happening to the youth, he added.

"The younger generation is living in 'reel life' rather than real life," the Church head further added.