Thrissur: Actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi refused to retract from his statements on the Manipur riots. He was responding to the criticisms levelled against him and his party by the Thrissur Archdiocese, in connection with the ongoing violence in the North Eastern state. 

It should be noted that an article published in the archdiocese's mouthpiece 'Catholicasabha' had criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Government for their inability to handle the riots in Manipur.  

"Those who respect democratic values will never forget Manipur. The people should be wary of attempts to conceal the truth to secure votes,"  the article said. 

Suresh Gopi addressed the media after arriving in Thrissur to watch his latest movie ‘Garudan’. 

“The ‘Sabha’ has all the rights to express its opinion. But who are these people representing 'Sabha’, ” the actor asked.

Apparently, BJP is in no mood for a conflict with the Christian body, instead, the party is pondering the possibilities of reconciliation.  

Earlier, during a march in relation to Karuvannur Bank Fraud, Suresh Gopi remarked that "there are men out there in Manipur and UP to handle the issues." The veteran actor also went on to say that “those with democratic sense will understand the silence of the PM over the Manipur violence.”

Meanwhile, the archdiocese's mouthpiece retorted to the latest statements of Suresh Gopi by stating that people in the country will not forget ‘Manipur’ as they head to the polling booths during the Lok Sabha elections 2024.