Kottayam: The Catholic Congress has announced a major rights protection march from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, scheduled from October 13 to 24, raising a wide range of public demands.

The march will be led by Global President Prof. Rajeev Kochuparambil and will be inaugurated at Panathady in Kasaragod district by Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany. Bishop Legate Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil will flag off the event. Leaders from various dioceses, community representatives, and social leaders will join the march at different locations along the route.

With the slogan “Justice is not charity, it is a right,” the march seeks to defend secularism and the Constitution, press for the publication and implementation of the Justice J.B. Koshy Commission report, address wild animal menace and land issues, find solutions for the collapse in prices of agricultural products such as rubber and ghee, and end discrimination in education and minority sectors.

The Catholic Congress Global and diocesan leadership will spearhead the march, with receptions planned at various centers across 14 districts. The campaign will culminate on October 24 with a massive demonstration at the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram.

The leadership criticized political parties for ignoring people’s demands and for adopting double standards. They warned that if longstanding issues remain unresolved, the Catholic Congress would be compelled to take a firm stand in the upcoming local assembly elections.

Organizing arrangements are underway under the leadership of Director Fr. Philip Kaviyil, General Secretary Dr. Joshputty J. Ozhukayil, Treasurer Adv. Tony Punchakunel, along with key office bearers Dr. K.M. Francis, Benny Antony, Treasa Liz Sebastian, Rajesh John, George Koyickal, Biju Sebastian, and Philip Veliyath.