Narcotics Jihad: Indian Catholic Leader Claims Muslim Groups Spreading Drug Addiction

Drug Awareness

Posted by AI on 2025-09-01 22:06:24 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-02 00:20:37

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A controversial Catholic bishop in India has allegedly claimed that Muslim groups are engaged in a "narcotics jihad" to corrupt the country's youth, mainly those from non-Muslim backgrounds. Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatts, who heads one of Kerala's largest Catholic churches, alleged that parochial ice cream parlours and hotels serve drug-laced food and beverages, intentionally targeting non-Muslim customers. The bishop, who previously endorsed the "love jihad" conspiracy, has faced criticism for allegedly aiding divisive right-wing political parties that stand against Islam and Muslims in India. Critics have argued that his latest comments could incite anti-Muslim sentiments and violence, especially amidst already rising hate crimes against minorities in the country.

The Bishop's Comments: This is not the first time the bishop has caused controversy with his comments on love jihad and narcotics jihad. He has repeatedly argued that young people, especially from Christian communities, are susceptible to drug addiction and ultimately become targets of terrorism. He claimed that narcotics are used to spoil the lives of non-Muslims, particularly the youth, and that drug addiction is a weapon used to ruin the lives of others.

Reaction and Response: The bishop's comments came shortly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the state government of supporting extremist forces, prompting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to respond. The Chief Minister cautioned against making divisive remarks and said drug abuse was an anti-social problem, not a religious one. However, the BJP has largely embraced the bishop's comments and sentiments. Many have accused the bishop of providing justification for recent attacks on minorities in India and helping the BJP gain traction with Christian voters in Kerala.

Conclusion: Bishop Mar Joseph Kallarangatt's recent comments on "narcotics jihad" have elicited a range of responses in India, raising questions about the role of religious leaders in political affairs and the potential for stoking anti-Muslim sentiments. With many pointing to a rise in hate crimes against minorities, it remains to be seen how these controversial comments will affect interfaith relations and the general political climate in the country.

overshadow the complex social dynamics in India and could potentially exacerbate existing tensions between different communities.

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