Thiruvananthapuram: The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has changed its stance on the Manipur conflict, citing it as an inter-tribal problem. The Church head Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, speaking with Mathrubhumi News, stated that the issue in Manipur stemmed from clashes between two tribal groups. Earlier, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church had slammed the union government over the Manipur issue. The apparent reroute comes days after the BJP-led union government returned to power. 

The Church now maintains that a clash between tribes led to attacks on churches in Christian-dominated areas. He emphasised that the destruction witnessed was likely the result of a rift between the tribes involved. He also stated that the Christian community now understands they need not be overly concerned about the situation.

Expressing contentment with the return of the Modi government to power, he commended the appointment of two individuals from Kerala as Union Ministers, viewing it as a matter of pride for the State.

Regarding Suresh Gopi's victory in Thrissur, he suggested that the BJP should comment on its significance. However, he acknowledged that Suresh Gopi likely received support from the Christian community in Thrissur. Reflecting on BJP's political fortunes in Kerala, he noted the party's limited electoral success in the past but refrained from speculating on future outcomes.

He also maintained that there was no anti-incumbency sentiment in Kerala. He said that the LDF's success in securing at least one Lok Sabha seat in the recent election is a testament to the same.

The Orthodox Church had previously condemned the government's handling of the Manipur crisis. In 2023, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III himself accused the government of failure, expressing concern over the loss of lives among Christians and other sects. He had labelled the events in Manipur as a disgrace to Indian culture, highlighting the destruction of churches. He spoke of the church’s concern about the violence, criticising the ineffective measures taken by the union government.