Report not against any community, says J. B. Koshy

Former State Human Rights Commission chairperson J.B. Koshy inaugurated the Palakkad diocesan empowerment year at Yuvakshetra College, Mundur, on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Koshy said the report he had submitted on the condition of the Christian community in the State was not directed against any other community. He said that many people were struggling to live with dignity, particularly those in hilly regions where survival itself has become difficult.

“If crops grow on trees, squirrels and monkeys take them. If planted in the soil, wild boars destroy them. And if people try to check their farms, they risk attacks from wild animals,” he said.

Bishop of Palakkad Mar Peter Kochupurackal, who presided over the function, said the Syro-Malabar community was increasingly becoming global amid Kerala’s changing social landscape. He pointed out that social, political and economic factors were driving migration. “People are not asking for charity, but for their constitutional rights,” he said.

Bobby Bastian, general convener, welcomed the gathering. Treesa Liz Sebastian, global vice-president of the Catholic Congress, delivered the keynote address. Justin Pallivathukal presented the action plan for the coming year. Mr. Koshy released the operational guidelines, and Fr. Arun Kalamattathil outlined the theme.