Kozhikode: Strong criticism was directed at the Forest Department and the government at the Rights Proclamation Rally led by the Catholic Congress of the Thamarassery Diocese, raising issues related to minority rights, the agrarian crisis and demanding the release of the Justice J B Koshy Commission report on the problems faced by Christians. The rally was led by Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil. The public meeting held at Muthalakkulam Ground in Kozhikode was inaugurated by Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany of the Thalassery Archdiocese.

Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil of the Thamarassery Diocese stated that the Christian community stands at the forefront of the struggle. "We are on the verge of eviction. The government must open its eyes. No Forest officer should enter our homes to check whether there is pork in the house. No such intrusion must be allowed. This meeting is a warning to Forest officers," he said. He also demanded that the government be willing to amend the ASEAN agreement, which he said led to the collapse of the agricultural sector.

“If US President Donald Trump could rewrite agreements, why can’t it be done here?” the Bishop questioned. “This is the time to confront the government. The Forest Minister is blind. He merely signs off on laws written by someone else,” he alleged. “If he is incapable, the Forest Minister should resign. No more people should die from elephant attacks. The Chief Minister must explain why the JB Koshy Commission report is being shelved.”

Bishop Remigiose added, “If our rights are recognised and granted, there will be no need for a new political party. But if that doesn’t happen, we will have to think about forming one. We are against the Communists because they declare they do not believe in God. That doesn’t mean we won’t support the Chief Minister. When Modi does something in our interest, we support him too. We support Narendra Modi just as we support the Kerala Chief Minister. Whether the new Bill will truly safeguard the rights of the people of Munambam is something that needs to be examined.”

“We have taken to protest as we were pushed to the wall, and now we will not retreat,” said Archbishop Pamplany. “The Christian community must be given what it rightly deserves. The growth of only one community and the denial of rights to others is unacceptable. The Church leadership urged MPs to support the Waqf Bill. Some tried to portray that as a crime. The Bill is not a communal issue—it is a matter of social justice. The rights of all citizens must be ensured. The Church has every right to take a clear stance. Christians are not being isolated just over Waqf. In Jabalpur, it wasn’t just a priest who was beaten—what was attacked was the secular face of India. We have the right to know who truly stands with Christians,” Bishop Pamplany asserted.

The Bishop also stated that the community would be compelled to take a political position. “If needed, we will form a political party. No one should assume that it’s impossible. The Church has no problem if political parties lose votes due to its stand. We don’t need a Forest minister’s permission to save our lives. If officials do not control wild animals, the hill people will continue to fight until they are charged with murder. From now on, we will no longer consider wild boars entering farmlands as wildlife. We will deal with them as we see fit. Forest officials must no longer enter our homes for inspection,” Bishop Pamplany said.

He added that forgetting the residents of Munambam at this time would be a serious failure and that this meeting was also for them. He urged the community not to trust empty promises from political parties and to continue the struggle until land rights are guaranteed.

“Don’t try to scare us by calling it the Church Bill,” said Mar Pamplany. “The Christian community has not acquired anything unjustly. What the community is closely watching is who will restore revenue rights in Munambam. Whether the Waqf law is passed or not is not the main issue—the formation of a political party is definitely a possibility. However, no decision has been made yet on when it will happen. At present, there is no special closeness or distance with any political party,” he added.