Once again Love Jihad has become the topic of discussion in the Christian circles. This time it is in the form of a ‘pastoral letter’ from Thalasserry Archbishop Rev. Mar Joseph Pamplany. It is being read in the churches under the archdiocese. He says, religious extremists target Christian girls and trap them in Love Jihad. When parents become aware of the disaster it will be too late and they will be helpless.
He was referring to the vow the believers have to take to keep up the tradition when they observe the eight days of lent in the name of Mary (Nativity of Mary) from September 1 to 8 with charitable activities, religious conventions and prayers to St. Mary. Bisholp called on the believers to utilise the letter for spreading awareness in the community about the danger of Love Jihad.
This is in the wake of numerous incidents of love traps Christian girls fall in. Arch Bishop had mentioned this a few months back. That he has now ventured into a pastoral letter indicates that the matter is more serious for the Church than before.
Last year Mar Joseph Kallarangatt, Bishop of Pala (Kottayam district, Kerala) diocese had kicked off a major storm. He stated on September 10, 2021 that ‘Narcotic Jihad’ targets non-Muslim youths. He added that girls are lured by ‘jihadis’ through ‘love jihad’; and, they are subjected to exploitation, forced religious conversion and terrorist activities. Leaders of both ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front and (Opposition) Congress-led United Democratic Front came out with their disagreement to the Bishop’s allegation. Both still maintain that there is nothing called ‘Love Jihad’.
Muslim extremist organisations immediately came up to criticise the Bishop alleging that his statement would lead to communal disharmony.
The latest pastoral letter vindicates the allegations Hindutva and nationalist forces have been raising since the last several years that ‘Love Jihad’ is a reality.
